Patrick Frad
Patrick W. Frad, 21, died at the Richardson County Jail in Richardson County, Nebraska, on February 12, 2002. Sources report that he was found hanging from his upper cell bars, using a noose made from a bed sheet, and the death was described as a suicide. His mother, Carolyn McAuliffe, sued the county and sheriff, saying he had hinted at suicide and that jail staff had been called about his instability. A federal judge dismissed the suit, finding no evidence that Patrick was a suicide risk, and McAuliffe's lawyer said she had not yet decided whether to appeal.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The news report and the jail's account describe a suicide by hanging from his upper cell bars, but his mother, Carolyn McAuliffe, sued the county and sheriff, saying he had hinted at suicide and that jail staff were called about his instability, which a federal judge later dismissed for lack of evidence he was a suicide risk.
Reported by: news report; Carolyn McAuliffe's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); federal judge.
Lawsuit: His mother, Carolyn McAuliffe, sued Richardson County and its sheriff, and a federal judge dismissed the suit, finding no evidence he was a suicide risk.