Randy Stevens
Randy Stevens, 44, was a painter and roofer who struggled with alcoholism, according to his estate's account. He died by hanging in May 2014 at the Lancaster County jail, hours after a friend called 911 worried he was suicidal. His estate's lawsuit says officers placed him in an isolated cell far from the guard station, did not watch the live video or conduct required rounds, and that he was not found for about three and a half hours. The sheriff's department admitted no fault when it agreed to a $507,500 settlement.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Stevens' estate's lawsuit says officers put him in an isolated cell far from the guard station, did not monitor the live video or do required rounds, and left him hanging for about three and a half hours; the sheriff's department admitted no fault in the settlement.
Reported by: lawsuit filed on behalf of Stevens' estate (family or their lawyers); Lancaster County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him).
Lawsuit: His estate sued over his death at the Lancaster County jail and the county settled for $507,500, with the sheriff's department admitting no fault.