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Comanche County In-Custody Death Litigation

Death in the Comanche County Detention Center?

When the Lawton or Comanche County government takes someone into custody, they have a Constitutional duty to keep them alive.

Urgent Warning for Lawton Families: The Comanche County Detention Center may delete video footage quickly (often in 14-30 days). If your loved one died in Comanche County custody, we must send a preservation letter immediately to stop the destruction of evidence.

Why Do Inmates Die in the Comanche County Detention Center?

Oklahoma jails, including the Comanche County Detention Center, are legally required to provide adequate medical care and protection from violence. Yet deaths continue to happen due to systemic failures:

  • Medical Neglect: Ignoring serious conditions like heart attacks, seizures, or diabetic emergencies.
  • Withdrawal Protocol Failures: Alcohol and opioid withdrawal can be fatal. Leaving an inmate to "detox" in a cell without medical supervision is unconstitutional.
  • Failure to Protect: Placing a non-violent offender in a cell with a known violent predator.

Filing a Lawsuit in Comanche County District Court

To hold the Comanche County Sheriff or private jail contractors accountable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, we must prove "Deliberate Indifference." This means the staff at the Comanche County Detention Center knew your loved one was at risk and chose to do nothing.

We file these cases in federal court or the Comanche County District Court depending on the specific claims (Federal Civil Rights vs. State Negligence under the GTCA).

FAQ for Lawton Families

Where is the lawsuit filed?

Most jail death cases are filed in federal court, but some claims may proceed in the Comanche County District Court.

Who investigates the death?

The OSBI often investigates deaths in the Comanche County Detention Center, but their reports can be sealed for months. We conduct our own independent investigation.

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