Robert Barness Jr.
Robert Barness Jr. was held at the Whatcom County Jail in Washington in September 2023. His mother, Elaine Barness, says she told a sheriff's deputy about her son's mental health and that he had attempted suicide several times before. According to her federal lawsuit, jail staff were not trained in suicide prevention, failed to monitor him adequately, and delayed checking on him after he showed signs of injury. He was found unresponsive, taken to hospital and taken off life support two days later, and Whatcom County declined to comment on the pending suit.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His mother's federal lawsuit says he died of self-inflicted injuries and that jail staff did not monitor him adequately or check on him after he showed signs of injury.
Reported by: Elaine Barness, his mother, through a federal wrongful death and negligence lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother, Elaine Barness, sued Whatcom County and sheriff's office staff in federal court in August 2026, alleging his death could have been prevented, and the suit is pending with no amount reported.