Tracy Lynn Johnson
Tracy Lynn Johnson was held at the Estrella Jail in Phoenix, part of the Maricopa County jail system, after her arrest in August 2012. Her family's wrongful death lawsuit, brought by attorney Michael Manning, says she was given only a very brief medical screening, was left far back in the line for care, and was not seen by a physician while suffering from drug withdrawal. The lawsuit says she was found unconscious and not breathing after being returned to her dorm the following morning, on August 7, 2012. Her mother and sister visited her at the jail, and Johnson told them she felt like she was going to die. The county Board of Supervisors approved a $1.1 million settlement; the settlement does not decide the responsibility of Sheriff Joe Arpaio or the jail health-care staff, which remains disputed.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). Her family's wrongful death lawsuit says jail staff gave her only a very brief medical screening, delayed her care and did not have a physician see her while she was in withdrawal, and the county settled for $1.1 million without a finding of responsibility.
Reported by: Her family's wrongful death lawsuit (attorney Michael Manning) (family or their lawyers); Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Lawsuit: Her family sued Sheriff Joe Arpaio and jail health-care staff over her death, and Maricopa County agreed to pay $1.1 million to settle the suit.