|
|
| Jail officials stop inmate's suicide try |
| By Florida Today |
| Published: 05/24/2004 |
|
Another inmate at the Brevard County (Fla.) Detention Center attempted suicide early last Sunday but was stopped before harming himself, jail officials said. Since December, five inmates have died in apparent suicides at the overcrowded jail, with many other attempts. Amid an ongoing investigation into the deaths, Sheriff Phil Williams recently reprimanded two officers for failing to heed warning signs that one of the inmates might be suicidal. To make officers more vigilant, jail administrator Greg Futch has put all his staff through suicide training. But even with the training, Futch said, "I'm concerned that, because of our understaffing, we may not be able to stop some of these attempts." Futch has 190 corrections officers but says he needs at least 60 more. In the latest suicide attempt, John Cornelius, 25, wrapped a sheet around a bed in his cell about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, sat on the floor and tightened the noose. Corrections officers intervened immediately. "He never lost consciousness," said Lt. Randy Beville, the shift commander. Cornelius, son of a corrections officer at the county jail, was arrested last Saturday on Merritt Island on a domestic violence charge. The suicide attempt came after inmate Corey Lautkin tried to hang himself last Friday, and slammed his head against a wall last Saturday, Beville said. Like Cornelius, Lautkin did not hurt himself seriously. Cornelius was removed from the jail after the death try last Sunday and referred to a mental-health facility after appearing before Circuit Court Judge Tonya Rainwater. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think