Ta'Neasha Chappell
Ta'Neasha Chappell was 23 years old, a daughter and sister, and her mother and sister describe her as the mother of a young daughter. She was held at the Jackson County Jail in July 2021 and was taken from there to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where she was pronounced dead on July 16. Her family believes she was poisoned while in the jail and says staff did not help her for hours despite visible distress. An autopsy found probable toxicity of an unknown substance, and a prosecutor's report listed the cause as undetermined, while a toxicology report said antifreeze was ruled out and found no crimes by staff, though it did not assess the quality of her care. Her family is seeking a federal investigation and has filed a $30 million civil lawsuit.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The autopsy found probable toxicity of an unknown substance and a prosecutor's report listed the cause as undetermined, while her family believes she was poisoned in the jail and says staff did not help her for hours despite visible distress, and seeks a federal investigation through a $30 million lawsuit.
Reported by: autopsy; prosecutor's report (outside investigators); her family and their civil lawsuit.
Lawsuit: Her family filed a $30 million civil lawsuit over her death, but no settlement or award amount has been reported.