William Marshall
William Marshall, 35, of Inkster, died on December 10, 2017, while held in a cell at the Westland jail in Michigan. Prosecutors say he began convulsing and lay on the cell floor for about an hour and a half without medical care, while people held nearby asked for help. Prosecutors say the paramedics and officers who responded failed to give him care, and that he was later found without a pulse. The medical examiner ruled cocaine toxicity the cause of death, and the officials' attorneys dispute that they are to blame. A jury acquitted a former sergeant, a mistrial was declared for one paramedic, another paramedic pleaded guilty to a records violation, and the city settled a civil case with his family.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). The medical examiner found cocaine toxicity caused his death, and prosecutors say officers and paramedics left him convulsing on the cell floor without medical care, which the defendants' attorneys dispute.
Reported by: Medical examiner's office (medical examiner or coroner); Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His estate sued and the city of Westland agreed to a settlement, though the amount is not reported in the sources.
Sources (5)
- Westland jail death: 'An inexcusable and criminal disregard for human life'
- UPDATE: Westland police officer, 2 paramedics charged with involuntary manslaughter over jail death
- Westland jail inmate death: After 2 days of testimony, court won't resume until Jan. 18
- Judge hears closing arguments in Westland jail death manslaughter prelim
- Officer Cleared In Man's Drug-Related Jail Death In Michigan