Nicole Turner
Nicole Turner, 34, of Biddeford, died in her cell at the York County Jail in early July 2022. Her aunt, Peggy Turner, said Nicole had been traumatized by abuse in the foster care system and had been in a treatment program before her jail stay, and family and friends gathered for a vigil to remember her. The Maine State Police and Sheriff William King said her death was a suspected drug overdose, and the state police said it was not suspicious, with toxicology results still pending. Her family said she needed mental health care and medical treatment rather than jail, and a state advocate said people like her should be treated for addiction in medical facilities.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). Maine State Police and the York County Sheriff say the death was a drug overdose and not suspicious, while her family says she needed mental health and medical care rather than jail, and a state advocate said people like her should be treated for addiction in medical facilities.
Reported by: Maine State Police (outside investigators); York County Sheriff William King (the agency that held her); police; her family; a state advocate.