Family Files Suit for Lock up Death in Drug Arrest

 Posted on November 11, 2013 in Your Rights

May Molina was a community activist for many years in the city of Chicago. Even with her diabetes, asthma, and inability to go anywhere without a wheelchair, she still voiced her opinion against the Chicago Police Department. She was especially adamant her son’s wrongful lockup for a crime he did not commit. In 2004, her voice was silenced after being locked up for drug possession.

For 24 hours in lockup at the police station, Molina was without her medicine. Other inmates at the time as well as her attorney notified the police on duty that Molina was becoming breathless and confused. No one acted on their warning and within a few hours, Molina was found dead in her cell.

Recently, the surviving family of May Molina has decided to filed a civil suit against the Chicago Police Department. When May was arrested, she had asked the officers to bring her medicine but she was denied. May’s family is claiming in the suit that the city normally denies medical requests of inmates at holding cells of Chicago police departments.

During the trial they had an expert corroborate their claim. Former assistant police chief of Seattle Michael Brasfield is an expert in police practices. He told the jury that Chicago departments hold people longer than other cities, permits unqualified officers make medical decisions neglects calling in a medical staff even when those who were arrested were in critical condition. Brasfield said that as a department “you are supposed to err…unequivocally on the side of overresponding, on the side of well-being and safety.”

The police offered a counterclaim that Molina never asked for medical attention. The fact is that Molina’s autopsy showed that there were tinfoil packets of heroin in her throat that she may have swallowed prior to arrest. The medical examiner’s office ruled that the death was accidental. Proving that the police department is responsible for the death of Molina may change the care for others being processed in the system.

Another way to protect yourself in the judicial process is to have the support of a legal professional. A lawyer who will look out for your best interest. If you need that kind of a lawyer, reach out to an experienced Cook County criminal attorneytoday.