Michael Barton
Michael Barton, 54, of Medford, lived with mental health conditions, according to a lawsuit filed by his brother, Stephen Brown. The suit says he became ill with influenza in January 2018 at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, where he was held, and that it developed into pneumonia. Brown's complaint alleges that staff repeatedly denied Barton's requests for treatment in the infirmary and did not take his vital signs as he weakened. Barton was taken to Salem Hospital in February 2018 and died a day later. The Oregon Department of Corrections declined to comment, citing the litigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). His brother's lawsuit says staff repeatedly denied his requests for infirmary treatment and did not take his vital signs as his pneumonia worsened.
Reported by: lawsuit filed by his brother, Stephen Brown (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His brother, Stephen Brown, filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging negligence over his care at Oregon State Penitentiary, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.