In a significant development, a federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against the Livingston County Jail to move forward to trial. The lawsuit pertains to the death of John Griswold, a 54-year-old detainee who died after spending less than a day in custody. Griswold, who had no prior criminal history, was arrested following a family dispute sparked by what his family describes as uncharacteristic aggressive behavior, later attributed to medication.
According to CBS News Detroit, the case will proceed to a jury trial, a decision welcomed by the plaintiff's family and their attorney. Brian McKeen, the family's lawyer, stated that Griswold's civil liberties were violated, stating, "John Griswold had a serious medical need, these deputies turned a blind eye to it in violation to their own policies by the way, and we think it is because in large part because they were inadequately trained." The Livingston County Jail has not responded to requests for comment on the case. McKeen also points to the officers at the jail and emergency medical personnel at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston as being responsible for failing to acknowledge Griswold's medical distress.
Corroborating McKeen's statement, a separate pending lawsuit highlights another concerning incident involving Livingston County Jail. As reported by Livingston Daily, Stockbridge resident Jon Messer alleges that negligence led to the amputation of his remaining toes. Despite informing officers about his diabetic condition and imminent medical emergency, Messer claims he did not receive timely medical care while detained, resulting in the loss.
While this initial victory for Griswold's family and their attorney moves their pursuit of justice forward, the outcome is still uncertain, with broader implications for Livingston County and its handling of detainees' medical needs. As the case progresses, the jury trials will examine the practices and policies that may have contributed to the loss of life and impacted another. The trials are part of the legal process focused on accountability within the carceral system.
