Jonathan Lancaster: Judge dismisses manslaughter charges against 6 Michigan prison employees accused in inmate's death
MUNSING, MICHIGAN: Six prison employees, who were accused of manslaughter in the death of Jonathan Lancaster and were due for release after spending nine years in prison, have been cleared by a judge.
Lancaster, a 38-year-old inmate serving time for armed robbery and firearm offences, died of dehydration at the Alger Correctional Facility in Munising on March 11, 2019.
Why did the judge dismiss manslaughter charges?
The Alger District Court Judge Charles Nebel reportedly said at the preliminary exam hearing on Monday, September 25, there was a lack of proper care for Lancaster.
The corrections' policies at the time may have contributed to a "perfect storm" and Lancaster’s death, the Detroit Free Press reports.
However, he said that it was not enough for an involuntary manslaughter trial.
The investigation launched by Michigan State Police found that Lancaster allegedly stopped eating and drinking while incarcerated at Alger Correctional Facility in Munising.
He died three days later, after being placed in an observation cell in restraints.
Who were charged in Jonathan Lancaster's death?
The Attorney General’s office charged six people with involuntary manslaughter.
Scott Sprader and Benny Mercier were the acting warden and assistant deputy warden at the prison.
The other four were former MDOC registered nurses. Their names were Paul Zelenak, Nathan Moser, Barbara Bedient and John Crane.
The offence could have put them in prison for up to 15 years. But all the charges were later dropped.
Moreover, former corrections Sgt Jason Denman and Officer Shawn Brinkman had been charged with misconduct in office, carrying a five-year penalty.
How are Jonathan Lancaster's family and lawyers looking at the judgement?
The AG's office said that Lancaster had lost fifty pounds in fifteen days.
Despite “widespread knowledge of his deteriorating state” and corrections policies, he received no medical attention until his death.
"This is not the end for us," Lancaster's sister, Danielle Dunn, said as per AP.
"We will fight for an appeal and continue to advocate for other families like ours as well as current incarcerated citizens."
Lanchester also had a history of mental illness and showed symptoms while at Alger, including paranoia, anxiety, loss of appetite and insomnia, his family said as per the report.
Attorney General Dana Nessel's office is "evaluating its next steps," spokesman Danny Wimmer said Monday.
Prosecutors could try to persuade a circuit court judge to overturn the decision.
Separately, Lancaster’s family reached a $2.6 million settlement in 2021 after suing prison health staff and private contractors.
