Taser Lawsuit: Craig Prescott (Modesto CA)

Money talks. It may take losing some taser lawsuits in order to get the attention of the 'powers-that-be' around the nation. As such, I'm encouraged to learn that the family of former sheriff's deputy Craig Prescott who died in the aftermath of an altercation at the Stanislaus County Jail has taken its first steps toward suing the county. [SOURCE]

The family claims that deputies mistreated him in a drawn-out struggle that preceded his death in April 2009.

The claim alleges violations of civil rights, wrongful death, assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, citing the use of "unreasonable and excessive force against Mr. Prescott including the use of Tasers and clubs."

It alleges jail staff knew of the psychotic episodes that plagued Prescott, 38, and failed to provide him "adequate medical and physical care, thereby proximately causing his death."

This blog continues to follow the story of taser-related killings taking place all across America. Let us know if you have any thoughts on this lawsuit?

Independent Autopsy Says Taser-Killing of Craig Prescott Was Not an Accident

38-year old Craig Prescott, a former sheriff's deputy, died in a taser-related killing back in April 2009 while he was in custody at the Stanislaus County Jail. The original autopsy concluded that the death was accidental. [SOURCE]

The autopsy ruling didn't seem right to Prescott's family. They commissioned an independent autopsy on April 15 by Dr. David Posey (Glenoaks Pathology Medical Center). Dr. Posey's autopsy concludes that the accident was not an accident. This autopsy report says that Prescott died from a lack of oxygen to the brain during a struggle with jailers.

Marilyn Prescott, Craig Prescott's mother, said she believes jail officials subdued her son in a manner that suffocated him, so they are responsible for his death.

"He was deprived of oxygen, so he couldn't breathe," she said. "It just saddens me to read this report, because now I know this was an egregious act."

The Stanislaus County coroner's office conducted its own autopsy a day after Prescott's death and released a report of its findings in early June. Pathologist Dr. Eugene Carpenter performed the autopsy under contract with the coroner's office.

Sheriff Adam Christianson has said jail officials followed departmental guidelines in trying to restrain and move Prescott.

In early October, Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager said the jail officials were not responsible for Prescott's death. He died in a Modesto hospital two days after deputies at the jail used Tasers and pepper spray to subdue him when he acted out in their custody.

Fladager's report culminated a six-month inquiry into whether jail deputies acted criminally April 11 in subduing Prescott. She determined they did not, citing a coroner's report that said Prescott died of hypertensive heart disease and determined his death was accidental.

Posey's independent autopsy concluded a different cause of death.

Taser Death: Craig Prescott (Modesto, CA)

On April 11, jailers used Tasers and pepper spray to subdue Craig Prescott, 38, of Modesto, during an altercation with jailers as they tried to move him to a safety cell. Prescott was taken to a Modesto hospital, where he was pronounced dead two days later.

A pathologist determined Prescott died of hypertensive heart disease, something his wife disputes. The Sheriff's Department has handed over the investigation to the Stanislaus County district attorney's office.

Prosecutors will determine whether a crime was committed in Prescott's death. The investigation is ongoing!

Villager's Voice: - It amazes me how often the powers-that-be determine that a person would have died a natural death within moments of being shot by a 50,000 volts of electricity by a taser gun. We're supposed to believe that this guy died of heart disease and the taser shots were non-consequential?