By Davin Fry, Valley News Live
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The family of a woman who died by suicide while in custody at a North Dakota jail has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging correctional officers failed to provide adequate mental health care despite warning signs being present.
The lawsuit, filed October 16 in U.S. District Court, claims Cassandra McDonald died November 10, 2023, because staff at the Lake Region Correctional Center ignored her mental health crisis and drug use while she was incarcerated.
McDonald, who had three minor children, was found unresponsive in her cell after an apparent suicide attempt by hanging. She died two days later from injuries sustained in the incident.
The complaint alleges that McDonald had access to methamphetamine while in custody and admitted to using the drug just a day after her incarceration began. Toxicology reports confirmed she had meth in her system when she died.
The day before her suicide attempt, McDonald injured her arm jumping off a top bunk and was taken to a local emergency room. The lawsuit claims jail staff dismissed the incident as a warning sign and returned her to her cell without proper observation.
The family’s attorneys argue the facility violated North Dakota Department of Corrections standards, which require mental health screening and observation rounds at the time of McDonald’s death.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including the Corrections Center, the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center, Sheriff Steve Nelson, correctional officer Brock Charette, jail employee Keaton Martin, and Dr. Derek Wayman, who provided medical services at the facility.
The complaint also names the city of Devils Lake and four counties, Ramsey, Nelson, Benson, and Eddy, that jointly operate the facility.
The family is seeking at least $75,000 in damages under federal civil rights law, claiming the defendants violated McDonald’s Eighth and 14th Amendment rights. The lawsuit also includes state negligence claims.
McDonald’s estate is represented by her mother, Evelyn McDonald, and Julie Sailor, who are guardians of the three minor children.
The defendants have not yet responded to the lawsuit. A jury trial has been requested.
