John Adena
John Adena was 31, and his attorney described him as a gentle man who had recently begun suffering from mental illness. He died in September 2019 while held at the Shasta County Jail in California; KRCR reported that deputies found him in his cell having medical difficulties and that he was pronounced dead. The coroner's autopsy record, released to the family in November 2020, listed carotid artery dissection as the cause of death. His parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, and the family has filed a federal civil rights complaint, alleging that jail deputies repeatedly beat him during his weeks in the jail; their lawyers say an autopsy report and photos support this, and the sheriff's office had not responded to the allegation in the reporting. His sister, Michelle Gallagher, has said the family is seeking accountability and transparency.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The family's federal civil rights complaint says jail deputies repeatedly beat him, and the lawyers say the autopsy report and photos show it, while the Shasta County Coroner's Office autopsy record lists carotid artery dissection with manner pending.
Reported by: Shasta County Coroner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); his parents' wrongful death lawsuit and federal civil rights complaint (Haddad & Sherwin LLP) (family or their lawyers); news report.
Lawsuit: His parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Shasta County, jail staff and others, and his family filed a federal civil rights complaint alleging he was beaten by jail deputies; no settlement or award amount has been reported.
News reports (5)
- News report
- Court documents reveal new details about two men who died at the Shasta County Jail
- Lawsuit filed against Shasta County Jail, claims beatings lead to inmate's death
- Adena's Family Says County "Stonewalled" Requests for Autopsy Results After His Death in Custody
- Open Notebook: Justice for the Dead