Nicholas Bartlett
Nicholas Bartlett, 21, died on September 16, 2023, while held at the Joplin City Jail in Joplin, Missouri. The Jasper County coroner's preliminary autopsy found asphyxiation by hanging, and Joplin police said they believed it was a suicide while the investigation continued. His family sued the city, the police department and several jail employees, alleging negligence in his supervision and safety. Investigation reports said the protocol for checking on suicidal people was not followed, and Bartlett left a young daughter, who was a toddler when he died; the city later settled for $700,000, with most of the money going to her.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). Investigation reports said staff did not follow the protocol for checking on suicidal people, and his family's lawsuit alleges negligence in his supervision and safety.
Reported by: Joplin police (the agency that held him); Jasper County coroner (medical examiner or coroner).
Lawsuit: His family sued the City of Joplin, the police department and several jail employees over negligence in his supervision and safety, and no amount has been reported.