In a distressing case that highlights alleged negligence within the correctional system, two mothers have filed a lawsuit following the tragic death of Jerry D. McCoy, who succumbed to alcohol withdrawal symptoms while in custody. The complaint was lodged by Latrice Walker and Holly Rouse on February 28, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against the Bossier Parish Sheriff and others.
The plaintiffs, Latrice Walker and Holly Rouse, represent their minor children and are suing Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington, Bossier Parish Police Jury, and several employees of the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility. They allege that McCoy's death resulted from gross negligence and failure to provide necessary medical care. According to court documents, McCoy was arrested on March 2, 2024, for various charges including public intoxication. Despite being visibly intoxicated at the time of his arrest and having a known history of alcohol abuse, McCoy was not given appropriate medical attention for alcohol withdrawal after being transferred to the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility.
The lawsuit details a series of events where McCoy exhibited severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens over several days. Despite these clear signs of medical distress observed by both nursing staff and correctional officers at the facility, no immediate medical intervention was provided. The plaintiffs claim that this lack of action directly violated McCoy's constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. They argue that instead of receiving care, McCoy was restrained in isolation which exacerbated his condition leading to his untimely death on March 6, 2024.
Walker and Rouse are seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by their children due to their father's death. They also demand punitive damages against individual defendants involved in the case for their alleged deliberate indifference towards McCoy's critical condition. Furthermore, they seek declaratory relief requiring changes in policies related to inmate healthcare at the facility to prevent future occurrences.
Representing Walker and Rouse is attorney Nelson W. Cameron from Shreveport, Louisiana. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge with Case ID: 5:25-cv-00258.