Rhianna Filichia
Rhianna Michelle Filichia, 38, died in the Delaware County Jail in Delaware County, Ohio, in February 2016. Her family's federal lawsuit says she had suffered from diverticulitis her entire life, that jail staff refused her prescribed medicine, and that she was left for about 12 hours before she was pronounced dead at a hospital. A friend, Gordy Simpson, said she was in severe pain after surgery in December. The coroner ruled peritonitis, an infection of the abdomen, as the cause of death, and Sheriff Russ Martin said his staff acted appropriately and aided her.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Delaware County coroner ruled peritonitis, an abdominal infection, as the cause of death, while her family's federal lawsuit says jail staff refused her prescribed medicine, cut the water to her cell and left her for about 12 hours before she was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Reported by: Delaware County coroner (medical examiner or coroner); Delaware County Sheriff Russ Martin's office (the agency that held her); her family's federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Her family sued in federal court over the death, alleging jail staff refused her prescribed medicine, cut water to her cell and left her for about 12 hours; no settlement or award amount is reported.