Sheriff's deputies in Island County, WA forgot to check 25-year-old Keaton Farris's cell every hour, and when they finally got around to looking, he was dead, starved of water and food. Alternet reports that Farris "had no prior criminal record but had struggled with a history of mental illness."
“I am truly sorry for this tragic death,” wrote Island County Sheriff Mark Brown in his report. “Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our inmates and staff and this report describes a systematic breakdown of policies, procedures and communication that led to this tragedy.”
The jail’s chief deputy was suspended for 30 days without pay, and a lieutenant was placed on paid leave. Also, two corrections deputies have resigned since being put on leave after the death, the Daily Herald of Everett reported.
"Sheriff Tells Family He’s 'Sorry' After His Officers Starved Their Mentally Ill Son to Death" [alternet]
