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Jury rules jailers not at fault in inmate's death

By The Associated Press

Story Created: Mar 17, 2010 at 5:52 AM MST

Story Updated: Mar 17, 2010 at 5:52 AM MST

GREAT FALLS - A coroner's jury has ruled that detention officers are not criminally liable in the death of an 18-year-old man who died shortly after being taken from the Hill County jail to a Havre hospital.

A.J. LongSoldier, a former basketball standout at Hays-Lodgepole High School, was in custody Nov. 22 for allegedly violating probation when a detention officer requested medical assistance just before 10:30 p.m.

LongSoldier was taken to the hospital but was released back to the jail, where his condition worsened. He was hospitalized again and died the next day.

Detention officers testified at the coroner's inquest in Havre that LongSoldier appeared to be fine during his first day of custody. But on the second day he said he needed medical assistance and appeared to be hallucinating.

An autopsy determined that LongSoldier's body shut down because of acute alcohol withdrawal.

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Anonymous said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 8:57 AM

How is it that you take away a person’s freedom and control their every movement from that point on and yet you are NOT liable for injuries or damages they sustain while in your control?

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