Thomas Blancke
Thomas Blancke, 24, was a father, and his cellmate testified that the two men talked about having sons. He was held at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York, where he was found dead in his cell on December 14, 2013, and New York State Police investigated his death as a homicide. Prosecutors said the cellmate beat him for nearly 20 minutes before calling for help, while the cellmate testified that Blancke started the fight and that he acted in self-defense. Blancke's lawyer has said he could have been saved if corrections officers had sought medical attention sooner.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). The prosecution says his cellmate, Brian Karris, beat him for nearly 20 minutes, while Karris testified he acted in self-defense, and Blancke's lawyer says corrections officers did not seek medical attention soon enough to save him.
Reported by: New York State Police (outside investigators); District Attorney Barry Porsch; Brian Karris (witnesses); Blancke's lawyer (family or their lawyers).