Leonard Kirklin
Leonard Kirklin, 58, died by suicide while held in Jackson County custody, according to a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by his daughter, Corena Williams, against the county and its health care contractor, Wellpath. The lawsuit says he told a Wellpath mental health worker he had considered a suicide plan, and that his schizophrenia and suicidal tendencies were known to staff, yet he was housed in a standard cell rather than placed on suicide watch. Wellpath did not respond to a request for comment, and the county said it would not comment on ongoing litigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). His daughter Corena Williams's federal wrongful death lawsuit says he died by suicide and that staff knew of his schizophrenia and suicidal tendencies but housed him in a standard cell rather than on suicide watch.
Reported by: Corena Williams, his daughter, through her federal wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His daughter, Corena Williams, filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit in August against Jackson County and its health care contractor, Wellpath; no settlement or award amount has been reported.