Justin Thompson
Justin Thompson, 35, died on August 7, 2016, after being restrained by deputies at the Washoe County Jail in Nevada; he had been placed on life support and was declared brain dead that day. The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the manner of death homicide, citing complications of being physically restrained, and listed the cause as anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy following cardiac arrest. His parents, Karen and Rick Thompson, brought a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging that deputies used excessive force against him. The lawsuit seeks accountability for his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the manner of death homicide, citing complications of physical restraint, while the family's federal wrongful death lawsuit alleges deputies used excessive force against him.
Reported by: Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); family's federal wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Washoe County deputies used excessive force against him.