Ronquale Ditello-Scott Jr.
Ronquale Ditello-Scott Jr., a 22-year-old father, died on May 29, 2021, while held in a holding cell at the Racine County Jail in Wisconsin. His family remembers him as a good kid and a young father whose children are without him; his fiancée and former partner spoke of his loss at a rally and a memorial gathering. The Racine County Sheriff's Office said nursing staff checked on him around 7 a.m. and found him appearing fine, and that about an hour later he was found yellow and not breathing, and emergency care did not revive him. An autopsy found acute fentanyl toxicity and the manner of death was ruled accidental, according to the sheriff's office, which said jail video showed no use of force and no request for medical help. The family's attorney questions the sheriff's account, and the family and protesters are calling for the video, reports and answers, while the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office investigation continues.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's autopsy found acute fentanyl toxicity and the Racine County medical examiner ruled the manner accidental, but his family's attorney questions the sheriff's account, and protesters and family are calling for video and an independent review, while the Racine County Sheriff's Office says jail video showed no use of force or request for medical help; the family's claims of neglect are not yet tested.
Reported by: Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Racine County medical examiner (medical examiner or coroner); Racine County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); his family's attorney (family or their lawyers).
Sources (7)
- 2 prisoners found dead at Racine County Jail in 4 days
- Racine Co. Sheriff's Office: No new information on 2 jail deaths until investigation is complete
- Two deaths investigated at Racine County Jail
- Families want answers after 2 men die in Racine County Jail in 4 days
- Racine County Jail deaths, supervisor calls for transparency
- Racine Co. Sheriff releases clip of Malcolm James, who died in custody at jail
- Sheriff: Racine County Jail inmate's death ruled accidental overdose