Thomas Devoe
Thomas Devoe, 32, was a carpenter who lived with his sister, Rita Powers, for several years and was trying to turn his life around, she said; she also said he had struggled with substance abuse. He was held at the Brooklyn Detention Center, and according to his mother's federal lawsuit he had been placed on suicide watch after a earlier suicide attempt when he hanged himself in his cell. He died three days later at Long Island University Hospital. His mother, Barbara Schettino, sued the city, alleging that correction officers failed to adequately monitor his fragile condition. The city Law Department asked a federal judge to dismiss the case, and a state Commission on Correction report found some shortcomings.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Thomas Devoe hanged himself with a noose made from his shirt; his mother Barbara Schettino's federal lawsuit alleges correction officials failed to adequately monitor him after a prior suicide attempt, which the city Law Department disputes by asking a judge to dismiss the case.
Reported by: Barbara Schettino, his mother and estate administrator, in a federal lawsuit against the city (family or their lawyers); New York City Law Department (the agency that held him); state Commission on Correction (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His mother, Barbara Schettino, sued the city in federal court over his death, and the city Law Department asked a judge to dismiss the case; no settlement or award amount has been reported.