Inquest into Milwaukee County Jail Inmate's Death

NOW: Inquest into Milwaukee County Jail Inmate’s Death
NEXT:
Milwaukee -

6 juror are hearing evidence from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office only.

Then they will be asked if there's probably cause for criminal charges.

The judge said the proceeding could take the full week.

One year ago Monday, Terrill Thomas died behind bars.

The medical examiner says he  died because of dehydration.

Prosecutors say jail staff cut off the water in Thomas' solitary confinement cell for seven days, they say this happened after Thomas flooded another cell.

Two employees a the jail, a correctional officer and a lieutenant, testified it is not jail policy to cut off water once an inmate is moved to a new cell. They also say it is not policy to keep water shut off for an extended time.

Both of those employees say they did not know water was shut off in Thomas' cell.

Prosecutors say the jail employee who ordered water to be shut off  did not take properly notify other employees on other shifts.

As many as 30 correctional officers could be called to testify this week, along with jail inmates.

The jury will also visit the jail on Wednesday, and see the exact cell where Thomas was found deceased.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney is not obligated to follow the jury's eventual recommendation on whether to file criminal charges against jail staff..


 

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