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$3,251,000 Verdict Rendered in California Detainee's Murder
On April 8, 1992, a 32 year-old was arrested for parole violation
and possession of controlled substances. He was booked into the Fresno
County Main Jail in California. He was housed in a maximum-security cell
that was designed for three prisoners; the cell was already occupied by
three prisoners. Ronald Dement attacked decedent and strangled him.
The suit was brought on behalf of the decedent's estate, alleging
overcrowding and understaffing. No security personnel checked the cell
for 4 hours because of the understaffing. A jury awarded $1,000 to the
estate, with $250,000 compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive
damages to the decedent's son. See: Andrews v. County of Fresno, USDC
Fresno California, Case No. CU-F.-93-5010SSH.
and possession of controlled substances. He was booked into the Fresno
County Main Jail in California. He was housed in a maximum-security cell
that was designed for three prisoners; the cell was already occupied by
three prisoners. Ronald Dement attacked decedent and strangled him.
The suit was brought on behalf of the decedent's estate, alleging
overcrowding and understaffing. No security personnel checked the cell
for 4 hours because of the understaffing. A jury awarded $1,000 to the
estate, with $250,000 compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive
damages to the decedent's son. See: Andrews v. County of Fresno, USDC
Fresno California, Case No. CU-F.-93-5010SSH.
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Related legal case
Andrews v. County of Fresno
| Year | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC Fresno California, Case No. CU-F.-93-5010SSH. |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 3,251,000.00 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |
no case text