Ronald Amir Harris
Ronald Amir Harris, a man in his 20s, died in May 2022 while held at the Pierce County Jail in Tacoma, Washington. His father, Ray Harris, says officials told him Ronald died by suicide, but he says he has not received a suicide note, photos or the autopsy report. A Tacoma advocacy group is urging the Washington Office of Independent Investigations to examine the death, and community members have written letters calling for transparency. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office says the case is closed and that the family can file a public records request. Ray Harris describes the loss as crushing and says he has been seeking answers ever since.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed). Officials reportedly told his father Ray Harris that Ronald died by suicide, but the family says they have received no evidence, and a Tacoma advocacy group is urging the Washington Office of Independent Investigations to examine the death.
Reported by: Pierce County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Ray Harris, his father (family or their lawyers); Tacoma advocacy group (advocates).