(Jonathan Magbie)
IN THE DISTRICT, THE MOTHER OF A QUADRIPLEGIC INMATE WHO DIED IN 2004 DUE TO BREATHING PROBLEMS AT THE D.C. JAIL HAS NOW REACHED FINANCIAL SETTLEMENTS WITH THE D.C GOVERNMENT.
JONATHAN MAGBIE, WHO WAS 27-YEARS OLD WHEN HE DIED, WAS PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN AND USED A MOUTH-OPERATED WHEELCHAIR. MAGBIE DIED FOUR DAYS INTO HIS 10-DAY JAIL SENTENCE FOR ALLEGEDLY POSSESSING MARIJUANA, WHICH HE TOLD AUTHORITIES HE USED TO HELP EASE PAIN BROUGHT ON BY HIS CONDITION.
ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE JAIL WASN'T EQUIPPED WITH THE VENTILATOR HE NEEDED TO BREATHE AT NIGHT. THE CONTROVERSY EXPOSED HUGE PROBLEMS WITH THE D.C. JAIL SYSTEM AND GREATER SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL.
THE MOTHER, MARY R. SCOTT, FILED THE FEDERAL LAWSUIT IN 2005.
SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON POST
