Mentally

Tragic Lawsuit Alleges Oregon Officers Abandoned Mentally Ill Man to Die in Hot Patrol Car While They Scrolled on TikTok

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COOS BAY, Ore. — The family of a man who died in police custody has filed a lawsuit, claiming that officers failed to provide necessary medical care while focusing on personal distractions, including social media. Nathan Bradford Smith, 33, who struggled with mental illness, died of heat stroke exacerbated by methamphetamine use after an arrest in July 2024. According to the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Coos Bay police officers allegedly neglected Smith’s obvious signs of medical distress, instead spending time in a parked patrol car watching TikTok and texting. The complaint accuses the city of Coos … Read more

Judge Rules Shooting Defendant Mentally Incompetent, Trial Delayed Amid Concerns Over Capacity and Safety

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Washington, D.C. — A man accused of a non-fatal shooting was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial during a court hearing on August 5. This ruling comes as Kevin Harrison, 24, faces multiple charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm stemming from an incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the shooting. During the hearing, Harrison’s defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, requested a Jackson finding, which indicates that the defendant is unable to comprehend the charges … Read more

Family Seeks Justice After Tragic Death of Mentally Ill Man in Arizona Heat, Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against County and Care Facilities

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PHOENIX — The family of a 58-year-old man, who died from exposure to extreme heat in Phoenix last summer, is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against several parties, including Maricopa County. The case emerged one year after Lafayette Palmes was found dead on a day when temperatures soared to 116 degrees. Palmes, who struggled with mental health challenges, was under the guardianship of Maricopa County at the time of his death. According to family members, the circumstances surrounding his passing prompted them to seek accountability. “We are his voice. He didn’t have a voice,” said … Read more

Oregon’s Early Release Policy for Mentally Ill Defendants Linked to Surge in Recidivism, Judicial Data Shows

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Salem, Oregon – A recent policy aimed at addressing bed shortages at Oregon State Hospital by releasing mentally ill criminal defendants early is linked to an increase in recidivism, according to new data from the Oregon Judicial Department. Implemented in 2022, the policy intended to reduce the backlog in the state psychiatric facility, which specializes in treating those deemed incompetent to stand trial. However, judges have highlighted that the initiative not only failed to resolve the bed shortage but also exacerbated public safety issues. Judicial data indicates a significant surge in crime among those released … Read more