William B. Henley
William Henley, 57, died on November 27, 2022, at the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo, New York, while in the custody of the Erie County Sheriff's Office. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office attributed his death to a compression fracture of the neck caused by blunt force trauma. The state Commission of Correction found that nursing staff did not identify his significant traumatic injuries at intake, and that staff began lifesaving measures even though he showed signs of death. The district attorney said those injuries came from a fight before he was taken into custody, and his family's lawsuit argues that proper medical care could have saved him. His estate's lawyer said the fracture was not diagnosed until he was found unresponsive in his cell.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The Erie County Medical Examiner attributed the death to a compression fracture of the neck from blunt force injuries, which the district attorney said came from a fight before he was taken into custody, while the state Commission of Correction found that nursing staff did not identify his significant traumatic injuries at intake and that his family's lawsuit argues proper medical care could have saved him.
Reported by: Erie County Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); New York State Commission of Correction (outside investigators); Henley family lawsuit (family or their lawyers); district attorney.
Custody: Awaiting trial.
Lawsuit: His family filed a lawsuit arguing that proper medical care could have saved him, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.
Sources (7)
- New York Attorney General, Office of Special Investigation data tables
- Medical Review Board report: William Henley
- Investigation underway after inmate died at Erie County Holding Center
- More Erie County jail inmates have died than previously reported.
- Death at Erie County jail "may have been preventable" report says