The Charleston County Council in South Carolina approved a $10 million settlement over the death of an inmate who died in his cell Jan. 5 after being pepper-sprayed and electroshocked by officers.
The Tuesday vote for the payment to the family of Jamal Sutherland, 31, was unanimous. Sutherland, who is black, was taken to jail after a fight Jan. 4 at a mental health facility, where he stayed after allegedly hearing voices and becoming paranoid.
“I am so happy it was a unanimous decision to do what was right by the Sutherland family,” said council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Nothing will bring back Mr. Sutherland, but this starts the healing process.”
Sutherland was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as a teenager, according to the Post and Courier.
Two officers, who are white, can be seen using pepper spray and a Taser on Sutherland after he allegedly refused to attend bond court in a video of the incident that led to his death.
Sutherland was placed in handcuffs, held down on the ground, and placed in a spit mask.
Once he was lifted from the ground to sit in a restraint chair, Sutherland was unresponsive with his head slumped down to his shoulders. CPR was attempted, and medical staff were called to check in on Sutherland, but he remained unresponsive.
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The officers were fired by Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano, she announced May 17. They remain under criminal investigation.
