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| Dead Ind. Inmate's Family Sues |
| By Indianapolis Star |
| Published: 07/21/2003 |
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The family of an inmate who was beaten and choked to death in the Marion County, Ind., Lockup filed a civil rights lawsuit Friday against Sheriff Frank Anderson. Kenneth Carpenter, remained in a coma for six days after being attacked July 1 by another inmate. He was taken off life support and pronounced dead at Wishard Memorial Hospital on Monday. Larry T. Thomas, the inmate accused of beating and choking Carpenter, has been charged with murder and aggravated battery. 'I want to know why it had to happen,' said Carpenter's sister, Vicki Smith. 'I am seeking that it doesn't happen to someone else's brother or son.' Smith's attorney, Rich Waples, said Carpenter's death was one of a series of tragedies caused by the mismanagement and overcrowding of the jail. 'Hopefully this one suit will help in making it safer.' Anderson had not seen the suit Friday and declined to comment. The lawsuit points to unsafe and unconstitutional conditions in the lockup. Because of overcrowding, inmates have to sleep on the floor and become more anxious and aggressive, the suit states. The lawsuit also contends there were not enough correctional officers assigned to the lockup to protect inmates the day Carpenter was assaulted. 'They should have protected him,' Smith said, showing photos of her brother taken while he was in a coma. Smith said Carpenter was in the hospital for two days before she could see him. When she met his doctor, she was told he would never wake up. 'Today I have to go bury my brother,' said Smith, flanked by family and friends. 'Thanks to the Sheriff's Department, I have to bury my own brother.' |
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