Silver O. Jenkins
Silver O. Jenkins, 29, was held at the Eau Claire County Jail in March 2023, where she was found unresponsive in her cell on March 12. Sheriff Dave Riewestahl said she had severe mental health issues, and a county health services employee said Jenkins was homeless and that refusing food gave her one thing she could control. The autopsy by Kristin E. Howell, M.D., attributed her death to dehydration due to voluntary restriction of food and liquids. Jail staff told the Wisconsin Examiner that more could have been done, and the Examiner reported that her requests to go to a hospital were denied.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). The autopsy by Kristin E. Howell, M.D. attributed her death to dehydration from voluntary restriction of food and liquids, while jail staff said in interviews that more could have been done and her requests to go to a hospital were denied.
Reported by: Kristin E. Howell, M.D., Assistant Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); St. Croix Sheriff's Office (the agency that held her); Wisconsin Department of Justice (outside investigators); Jail staff interviewed by reporters (witnesses).