Robert Covarrubias
Robert Covarrubias, 35, was held at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, Washington, when he died on September 2, 2015. Earlier that year he had been placed on close observation several times, a status usually used for people at risk of suicide. While he was held in segregation, required checks were not completed, and he was found hanging from the shower in his cell. The Washington prison system reported the death as a suicide. People held with him told investigators that he had spoken of suicide and that another person there may have goaded him into it.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Washington prison officials said he hanged himself from his shower, while inmates told investigators he had talked of suicide and may have been goaded into it by another inmate, and staff failed to complete required checks before he was found.
Reported by: Washington prison system (the agency that held him); inmates who spoke to investigators.