In disturbing footage, officer seen taunting inmate prior to in-custody death
A Tennessee man, who passed away in police custody, now has family taking legal action, claiming use of force. According to reports, the relatives of William Jennette decided to file a lawsuit against the deputies at Marshall County Jail, the county and the city of Lewisburg.
It was on May 4, 2020, that Jennette was taken into police custody following his arrest in relation to public intoxication, indecent exposure and resisting arrest. According to reports, just two days later, he began to punch his cell door. Eventually, this gained him attention from the officers, who could be seen calmly moving him out of his cell.
According to the suit, one specific deputy pushed Jennette to the end of the hall and there, three more deputies decided to press him into a wall and then, one more cop hit him a few times. In the footage of the fatal encounter, one can see that they tried to place him on a restraint chair like they did a day prior to that, when he banged his head against the cell wall. Upon the arrival of a Lewisburg officer, Jennette stated that he was scared that the deputies were “gonna kill” him.
In spite of him voicing his concerns, the officer and a deputy tackled Jennette facedown to the ground. Then, the officer’s knee was place on the back of the inmate, while the deputy attempted to handcuff him. The lawsuit stated that the victim pled, “Let me up or I’m going to die,” and in response, the officer said “Stay down, you stupid son of a bitch” as he pushed his face to the floor. The weight of the officer made it difficult for Jennette. However, the cop sought leg restraints and the victim was placed in it. According to the suit, Jennette was restrained in a “hogtied” position, wherein he couldn’t move or breathe.
He complained that he was unable to breathe, to which he was responded with “You shouldn’t be able to breathe.” The deputy also threatened him stating he will break his foot.
Despite restraining him, the officer placed his weight on Jennette for four minutes, stating that he was “not on his lungs,” and thus, he should be able to breathe. However, according to the suit, when Jennette was turned over, he looked “purple and lifeless” and he couldn’t be saved.
Focus Word: Jennette
