James McCann
James McCann, 36, died after Akron, Ohio, prison officials failed to provide basic medical care.
James McCann was suffering from severe chest pains and could not breathe or move on May 6, 2019, and was evaluated by medical staff. A doctor’s appointment was scheduled for him on May 10 but for reasons that are unknown, he did not go to the appointment.
According to another inmate, McCann was still in severe pain and had asked an on-duty officer to send him back to the medical pod. The officer allegedly denied the request and McCann was found dead in his cell the next day. Coroners ruled the cause of death as “acute pneumonia”, which is not usually fatal if treated with basic medical care.
In March 2021, McCann’s brother filed a wrongful death suit against the prison. The lawsuit argues that McCann’s death could have been prevented if he was given access to medical care.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“It’s a shame he had to suffer and go the way he did,” McCann’s brother said.
“He was supposed to be safe there,” McCann’s brother said. “He struggled with opioid addiction, and we knew he would be off the streets, getting help. They didn’t do their jobs.”
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
