Sutherland was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as a teenager, according to
The Post and Courier. Prior to his death in January, he was at the Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health Center and was arrested for allegedly assaulting a staff member. A fight reportedly broke out between Sutherland and another patient on January 4. Both were charged with third-degree assault and battery,
Sutherland had a bond hearing set for the following day. He was declared dead the morning of his court appearance after being removed from his cell by deputies at the Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston.
Body camera video from the Jan. 5 incident was released last month by the Charleston County sheriff’s office. The footage shows former Detention Sergeant
"We definitely need reform in our detention facility," Council Chairman Teddie Pryor said. "I have been researching that and I m going to bring some other matters before this council regarding that.
A county in South Carolina has voted in favour of awarding $10m in damages to the family of Jamal Sutherland – a Black man who died after he was forcibly removed from his jail cell in January.
WSCS, a South Carolina news station reported that the Charleston County Council reached the unanimous decision on Tuesday evening, settling the case of Sutherland, 31, who died after police officers repeatedly used stun guns and kneeled on his back. He suffered from mental health issues.
His death ignited protests and demands for criminal charges against those responsible.
The council’s chairman Teddie Pryor on Tuesday called for reform in the jail where Sutherland was held.
Charleston County Settles With Family of Jamal Sutherland, Black Man Killed In Police Custody, for $10M msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.