Louis Leysath
Louis Leysath, 35, died on February 20, 2015, in his cell at Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland, where he was housed alone and had been on close observation the day before. Maryland's prison agency said the death was accidental, that he damaged a heating unit and was scalded by steam and hot water, and an internal criminal investigation reported no foul play. Staff found the cell filled with steam on a Friday morning, and he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Three correctional officers were placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal review. His family's attorney has filed a wrongful death claim and questions why staff left him in the cell after the radiator cover was removed.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). The state prison agency says Leysath damaged a heating unit and was scalded by steam, and an internal investigation found no foul play, but his family's attorney has filed a wrongful death claim and questions why staff left him in the cell after the radiator cover was removed.
Reported by: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (the agency that held him); Jessup Correctional Institution spokesman Mark Vernarelli (the agency that held him); his family's attorney (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family's attorney filed a wrongful death claim over his death at Jessup Correctional Institution, questioning why staff left him in the cell, and no settlement or award amount is reported.