Robert Harris
Robert Harris, 35, was a former Mobile police officer. His mother said he was a good man who was in pain, and his attorney said he had been going through a lot and was thought to be emerging from it. He was taken to the Washington County Jail during a mental health crisis and was found dead in his cell on June 15, 2022, several days later. His family's federal lawsuit alleges that a guard strapped him to a chair, encouraged other people held there to beat him, and denied him medical attention, and that relatives had tried to get him a psychiatric evaluation or hospital care before his death. Sheriff Richard Stringer denies that he was beaten and has said his injuries may have come from being struck by a vehicle. No cause of death has been officially given.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). His family's federal lawsuit says a guard strapped him to a chair, encouraged inmates to beat him and denied him medical attention, while Sheriff Richard Stringer denies the beating and says his injuries may have come from being struck by a vehicle.
Reported by: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (outside investigators); family's federal lawsuit (family or their lawyers); Sheriff Richard Stringer (the agency that held him).
Lawsuit: His family filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was tied to a chair and beaten by inmates, and no settlement or award amount is reported.
News reports (4)
- Former Mobile police officer who attempted suicide by cop dies in Washington County jail
- The death of a former Mobile Police officer in Washington County’s jail lands federal cour
- Family of former Mobile cop who died in Washington County Jail files federal lawsuit
- Family of former Mobile cop who died in custody files federal lawsuit against Washington County Sheriff