Mason Quinn
Mason Quinn, 27, died by hanging in his cell at the Lenoir County jail in North Carolina, and the medical examiner's report classed it as suicide. His mother, Karen Quinn of La Grange, said he had struggled with mental illness and that he left behind three children, ages 10, 2 and 1. The medical examiner's report found two nooses made from torn bed sheets in his cell, and the sheriff's office's account describes him using elastic from his boxer shorts. A later state investigation found large gaps in the required checks on him and reported that officers recorded generic times instead of actual checks, and his mother said she plans to sue the county.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The medical examiner's report says he hanged himself in his cell, and a later state investigation found that staff left large gaps in his required checks and logged generic times instead of actual checks.
Reported by: medical examiner's report (medical examiner or coroner); state investigation.