№00159

Steven Barrier

Steven Barrier, 23, died while in police custody in Stamford, Connecticut.

In October 2019, police were responding a domestic dispute call. Barrier’s mother told police officers his schizophrenia symptoms had worsened. When police arrived, Barrier was not at home. After he returned, he tried to run away and police officers chased him. Police handcuffed him and put him into the back of a police car.

On the way to police station Barrier was heard moaning of pain and in police station became unconscious. According to bodycam video officers were laughing at him while he was unconscious. No one called ambulance.

In March 2021 Barrier’s mother sued the city of Stamford, police department and four police officers for wrongful death.

СМИ

MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:

“My son did not have to die,” Barrier’s mother said. “He was having a mental health crisis, but instead of being treated by doctors and therapists, he was surrounded by police. I told them that my son needed urgent psychiatric help, but the police handcuffed my son and dragged him down a steep hill in the pouring rain. He was put into the back of a police car and died on the floor of a jail, surrounded by people who were untrained and uncaring. They laughed and they mocked while he died in front of them.”
Stamford Advocate

“My son did not have a heart attack. My son never had any medical history about cardiac problems,” Barrier’s mother said after his cause of death was noted as atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
Stamford Advocate

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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.