• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Family Health Corner

News That Affects Your Family's Health

FAMILY HEALTH CORNER
News That Affects Your Family's Health

  • Home
  • About/Contact
  • CHILDREN
  • HEALTH NEWS/TRENDS
  • INSURANCE
  • MEN
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • WOMEN

Charleston deputies fired after the death of an inmate with mental health issues

May 27, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Image: Charleston County Sheriff’s Office

(ABC News): Two deputies from the detention center were fired on Monday as investigators investigated the January death of a black inmate who had mental health problems.

Camera footage of the Jan. 5 incident at the Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston, South Carolina, shows deputies using a stun gun at Jamal Sutherland and kneeling on his back before stop moving. An hour later, the 31-year-old was pronounced dead, according to his family, who suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Charleston County Sherriff Kristen Graziano announced that as part of the internal investigation, Detention Sergeant Lindsay Fickett and Detention Deputy Brian Houle were fired.

“I must weigh the public safety interest of the community against any incident that creates even the perception of a deterioration in the operation of the detention center for the safety of all residents, staff and our community,” he said in a statement.

Sutherland was registered Jan. 4 and charged with assault and third-degree battery in connection with an alleged fight that erupted at Palmetto Behavioral Health, a mental health and substance use center.

Amy Sutherland, Jamal Sutherland’s mother, left him at the center on New Year’s Eve, according to family lawyer Mark Peper. Amy Sutherland said at a news conference last week that the family learned of her death four hours after it occurred and were never informed that she had been transferred to jail.

“We didn’t get any information from anyone,” he said.

Graziano said a mental health professional is assigned to the Al Cannon Detention Center, but was not sure if that person was on duty Jan. 5.

The video from the body camera, released with permission from the Sutherland family, shows deputies removing the inmate from his cell for a court appearance. Sutherland rejects deputies’ orders to get to the door and be handcuffed, and after a few attempts, the deputies use pepper spray on him.

Deputies then proceeded to handcuff him and deploy narcotics weapons, according to the material.

In the video you can hear Sutherland saying, “I’m not resisting, officer.” A deputy is seen in the video putting his leg on the inmate’s back for more than two minutes as he said, “I can’t breathe.”

Officials are seen in the pictures trying to perform CPR in Sutherland after he limped.

A deputy is later seen in the video saying, “He probably received assignments about six to eight times.”

The Sutherland family called for the dismissal of MPs last week after requesting the body camera video

Graziano said she is “still horrified” by body camera videos, but promised there will be full investigation and changes to the department and the treatment of mental health cases.

“In my career as a law enforcement professional, I have seen my fellow officers take on mental health responsibilities that they are not prepared to take on. That needs to change and I am committed to implementing that change. “He said in a statement.

Josh Margolin of ABC News contributed to this report.

Filed Under: MENTAL HEALTH

Primary Sidebar

More to See

Medical startup has Stonington native in mind

Oct. 6—When over 100 people gather on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Stonington Country Club for the first Andrew Heylmun Invitational golf tournament, they'll … [Read More...] about Medical startup has Stonington native in mind

Walking your way: NAMI hosting virtual walk for mental health this weekend | News, Sports, Jobs

MARQUETTE — There’s never a bad time to think about your mental health: Where it stands, how you can improve it, and where to go for help if you need … [Read More...] about Walking your way: NAMI hosting virtual walk for mental health this weekend | News, Sports, Jobs

18 ft Purple Crush Water Slide Rental

https://abouttobounce.com - BOOK YOUR Inflatable Party Rental from About To Bounce Inflatables, TODAY! Inflatable Bounce House and Inflatable Water … [Read More...] about 18 ft Purple Crush Water Slide Rental

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | About/ Contact
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2022 · FAMILY HEALTH CORNER . Log in