Joshua Messier
Joshua Messier, 23, was from Charlton, and his parents are suing nine guards, two nurses and the Department of Correction over his death. He was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital in Massachusetts for a psychiatric evaluation, and in May 2009 guards restrained him on a bed there. Surveillance video reportedly shows guards standing by and staff not starting CPR promptly. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide after an autopsy found blunt force injuries across much of his body but could not identify a specific cause, and the correction commissioner rejected that finding. A Disabled Persons Protection Commission investigation found that two guards were responsible for his death, yet the Plymouth District Attorney found insufficient evidence to prosecute, and in June 2014 the attorney general said her office would review the case; his mother, Lisa Brown, said she hopes the review leads to charges.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The state medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, and the correction commissioner rejected that finding, while an investigation by the Disabled Persons Protection Commission found that two guards were responsible; surveillance video shows guards standing by and staff not giving CPR promptly, and advocates allege a cover-up and have asked for a special prosecutor.
Reported by: state medical examiner; Bridgewater State Hospital correction commissioner (the agency that held him); Disabled Persons Protection Commission (outside investigators); advocates; Plymouth District Attorney (outside investigators).