Michael Rodden
Michael Rodden, 48, died on July 6, 2019, in his one-man cell at the Bowie County jail in Texarkana, Texas. His family's lawsuit says he made suicidal statements at the time of his arrest that should have led to placement on suicide watch. The family's claims are disputed, and the family settled with LaSalle Corrections in 2021. A Commission on Jail Standards review reportedly found that staff had falsified cell check records.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His family's lawsuit says he made suicidal statements at his arrest that should have led to suicide watch, and a Commission on Jail Standards review found staff falsified cell check records.
Reported by: his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); Commission on Jail Standards (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His family sued LaSalle Corrections over his death and settled the case in 2021, but the settlement amount was not reported.