John Choma
John Choma, 66, had pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses, according to Michelle Batt, president of a bail fund, who said he was not getting his medication while held in the Lancaster County jail. He was released on Feb. 2 and died on Feb. 8 at a motel where he had been staying. Batt picked him up after his release and drove him to a drugstore for medication before taking him to the motel. Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni determined without an autopsy that he died of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. County officials said he had been given his medications at the jail and disputed the fund's account.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Lancaster County coroner attributed his death to upper gastrointestinal bleeding without an autopsy, while the bail fund's president says he was not getting his medication in the Lancaster County jail and county officials say he was given his medications and dispute the fund's account.
Reported by: Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni (medical examiner or coroner); the bail fund's president (advocates); Lancaster County officials (the agency that held him).