Family of Inmate Strangled to Death by Jailers Sues for $75 Million
Darius Robinson’s death was ruled a homicide.
The family of a inmate choked to death by officers inside an Oklahoma Jail is now suing all those involved in his death for $75 million.
The eight count lawsuit filed by the family of Darius Robinson in federal court Wednesday claims correctional officer Michael Allen Smith used excessive force when he choked Robinson, who had been acting erratically and struggled with officers when they entered his cell. An autopsy report noted Robinson’s throat was essentially crushed by Smith, who did not tell paramedics LaRoyce Fanning and Ryan Warren that he had used a chokehold on Robinson when they arrived to render aid. The medical examiner ruled Robinson’s death to be a homicide.
Video of the incident released to The Daily Beast last month shows the brutal confrontation. Robinson laid dying on the floor as Smith and another officer stood idly by. By the time paramedics Fanning and Warren arrive, Robinson was already dead.
The results of a probe into Robinson’s death by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation have not been released, and Caddo County District Attorney has refused multiple requests over the last two months by The Daily Beast for comment.
— Justin Glawe
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