Deaths in Custody
Died in jail or a lockup

Scott Whitley

46 years old · died November 25, 2022 · Marion County Jail, Marion County, Florida

Scott Whitley, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, died on November 25, 2022, at the Marion County Jail in Ocala, Florida. His sister Pam Whitley described him as a kind and caring man, and his parents said he was pleasant when he took his medication. The Ocala Gazette reports that he had been held for a week in a confinement cell without clothing, bedding, or his psychiatric medication before a short struggle with nine officers, who used Tasers, pepper foam and physical force. The sheriff's office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found the deputies acted within policy, while the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, the family sued, prosecutors declined to charge the deputies, and the family says surveillance video contradicts the official account. Questions about the delay in calling an ambulance remain unanswered.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide; his family says deputies beat him and that staff ignored his schizophrenia, the Gazette says he was held a week without clothing, bedding or medication, and the sheriff's office says he refused orders and that FDLE found the deputies did not violate policy.

Reported by: Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Marion County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Florida Department of Law Enforcement (outside investigators); Whitley family and sister Pam Whitley's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); Ocala Gazette (reporters).

Lawsuit: His family filed a federal wrongful death suit against the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the case is pending with no amount reported.

News reports (16)

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Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.