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| Family of Maine Inmate Who Killed Himself Plans to Sue |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 12/16/2002 |
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A man who killed himself while being held at the state prison in Warren left a note complaining about his medication, according to a lawyer for the inmate's family. Adam Dupuis, 25, of Portland had six months remaining of a five-year sentence when he killed himself May 6. He was serving time for aggravated drug trafficking, burglary and possession of a firearm by a felon. Dupuis' family plans to file a federal lawsuit later this month against the Corrections Department, according to Patrick Mellor, the family's lawyer. The family is accusing the state of wrongful death and violating the constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment by withholding proper medical care, Mellor said. Dupuis had been previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, severe anxiety and depression, and had attempted to kill himself the week before, Mellor said. The day of his death, Dupuis put a sign in his window that blocked the view into his cell in the psychiatric unit, Mellor said, and was unseen for 45 minutes. He used his shoelaces and belt to hang himself, Mellor said. Other inmates discovered Dupuis when the doors opened automatically for a recreation period, Mellor said. The inmates cut Dupuis down and summoned officers, who were playing cards nearby, Mellor said. Dupuis was pronounced dead at the Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockland. The state has refused to provide details about its investigation into Dupuis' death, Mellor said, but the plaintiffs can compel the state to release information once the suit is filed. Denise Lord, the associate commissioner of corrections, said she could not comment on the case because of pending litigation. Dupuis' family has already filed a claim against the state for $400,000, the maximum amount allowed. Dupuis' death was one of six suicides in state prisons or county jails in the past year. |
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