ALEXANDRIA – The family of an inmate confined at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center has filed a lawsuit against the facility claiming he died in custody due to negligence and failure to provide him proper medical care.
Shameka Grant Thomas, Devin White, Carnikqua Thomas and Arniquia Harden, on behalf of the minor child Carden Harden, filed the lawsuit in federal court against the Natchitoches Parish Law Enforcement District, Sheriff Stuart Wright, Officers Michael Oliver, Christopher Orsborn, Tawana Bernstine, Medical Director Otis Barnum, and nurses Kathy M. Childress, Lisa George, and Willie Clark.
According to court documents, Carlos Thomas was admitted to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on October 14, 2022. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to recognize and address Carlos' hypertensive state during the intake process. Despite indications of hypertension, Carlos allegedly did not receive follow-up care. Carlos allegedly complained of severe chest and back pain on several occasions, and he had blood pressure readings showing elevated levels, but detention and nursing staff negligently failed to secure the necessary medical attention for Carlos, and his condition worsened.
The lawsuit states that on November 10, 2022, Carlos was found unresponsive in his bed and was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The plaintiffs include his surviving spouse and children. They claim the defendants' actions and negligence violated Carlos Thomas' constitutional rights and state laws, resulting in his untimely death. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
The plaintiffs are being represented by Roy H. Maughan Jr., Namisha D. Patel, Joshua D. Roy, Connor S. Thomas and Rodney Baum in Baton Rouge.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Alexandria Division case number 1:23-cv-01614