MCILWAIN et al v. San Jacinto County et al
Filing
136
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER granting 126 Second MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM and/or For Summary Judgment, that Plainiffs' voluntary dismissal of their claims against Defendants Burchett and Donnelly is GRANTED, and this case is DISMISSED, with prejudice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Mary Milloy) Parties notified.(chorace)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
HOUSTON DIVISION
SHERRY McILWAIN, etat.,
Plaintiffs,
vs.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, et at.,
Defendants.
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CIVIL ACTION NO. H-10-2293
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER GRANTING
DEFENDANTS' SECOND MOTION TO DISMISS
On December 16,2011, the parties consented to proceed before a United States magistrate
judge for all purposes, including the entry of a final judgment, under 28 U.S.c. § 636(c). (Docket
Entries #111, #112). In this case, Plaintiffs Sherry McIlwain ("Sherry"), Donald McIlwain
("Donald") (individually and as representative ofthe Estate of Marc Bryant McIlwain ("McIlwain,"
"Decedent")), and Weslie Alexandra Brimer ("Brimer") (as natural tutrix of Kayden Bryant
McIlwain) (collectively, "Plaintiffs") seek damages for civil rights violations that allegedly led to
the death of Marc McIlwain. Pending before the court is a motion to dismiss, or for summary
judgment, that was filed by Defendants San Jacinto County ("the County"), James L. Walters
("Walters"), Thomas J. Bartley ("Bartley"), and Carl Jones ("Jones") (collectively, "Defendants").
(Defendants' Second Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and/or for Summary Judgment
["Motion"], Docket Entry #126). Plaintiffs have responded in opposition to the motion. (Plaintiffs'
Memorandum in Opposition to Defendants' Second Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim
and/or for Summary Judgment ["Response"], Docket Entry #132). Plaintiffs also seek a voluntary
dismissal of Kenneth R. Burchett ("Burchett") and Doreen Donnelly ("Donnelly") as defendants in
this action. (See Plaintiffs' Fourth Amended Complaint ["Complaint"], Docket Entry #109, at 3).
After considering the pleadings, the evidence submitted, and the applicable law, it is ORDERED that
Defendants' motion to dismiss is GRANTED, that Plaintiffs' voluntary motion to dismiss Burchett
and Donnelly is GRANTED, and that this case is DISMISSED, with prejudice.
Background
On May 21, 2009, Marc Bryant McIlwain was arrested for a variety charges, including
possession and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. (Response at 2). He was
detained in the San Jacinto County Jail, where he was placed in the general population, in a cellblock
deemed "medium/maximum security." (See id. at 2-3). During the initial days of his incarceration,
Plaintiffs claim that McIlwain tried to kill himself, by cutting his wrists. (!d. at 4; Complaint at 5).
They also contend that Defendants were aware of the incident, but did not place him on "suicide
watch," and did not ensure that he was given the proper dosage of his prescribed medication. I (Id.).
On July 11, 2009, McIlwain was housed in solitary confinement. (See id. at 15; Response
at 2, 13-14). At 4:30 p.m. that day, Legacy EMS was called to treat McIlwain for reported breathing
trouble, or "anxiety." (Id. at 14-16; Motion at 29-31 & n. 7). According to the EMS report, McIlwain
claimed that he was suffering an anxiety attack, and that "all he wanted was a bag to breathe in."
(!d.). The paramedics treated McIlwain on site, and then attempted to take him to the hospital for
further treatment. (Id.; Complaint at 14-16; Response at 3). McIlwain refused, however, telling the
paramedics that he "was feeling fine now." (Id.). In fact, McIlwain signed a form confirming his
refusal of further treatment. (Id.). According to Plaintiffs, once McIlwain was returned to his cell,
I While in jail, McIlwain was prescribed, and administered, sertraline, which is an anti-depressant
medication. (Complaint at 10).
2
he attempted to communicate with a fellow inmate, as follows:
[McIlwain] printed a telephone number and held it up to where it could be seen by
an individual in another cell, Kaleb Watson ["Watson"]. Decedent also wrote that
he wanted Watson to tell them what happened to him.
(Complaint at 15). Plaintiffs do not identify "them," or the information McIlwain allegedly wished
to have communicated to "them." (!d.). But they allege that the following events took place later
that same day:
the McIlwain's [sic] received a telephone call from Mr. Watson's great aunt who
advise [sic] Decedent had a seizure, that it took 30 minutes to get the paramedics to
the jail to treat him, that he was "ok" and that he loved his parents. 2
(!d.).
According to records kept by the Jail, on July 11, 2009, routine checks on McIlwain and the
other inmates were performed approximately twice every hour from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (M&R
at 4). The records also show that McIlwain was administered his medication at 5:00 p.m. that day.
(!d.). At approximately 11 :00 p.m. that night, McIlwain was found dead in his cell. 3 (Id. at 4;
Complaint at 4-5). Paramedics were immediately called to the jail, and they confirmed McIlwain's
death, noting that his body was still warm. (See id.; Response at 3).
2 The EMS records, which were addressed in the court's previous order of dismissal, show that the
paramedics got to the jail within six minutes of the call, and that the medical personnel reached McIlwain three
minutes later. (Motion at 30 n.7; Memorandum and Recommendation on Motion to Dismiss ["M&R"], Docket
Entry #93, at 20-21).
3 Throughout this litigation, the parties have maintained that, when found, the deceased was on his knees,
with something wrapped around his neck and tied to a ceiling vent. (Complaint at 4; Response at 3). In their latest
pleading, Plaintiffs elaborate on these allegations, as follows:
[McIlwain's] body was found in a suspicious/questionable position with his hands bound to his
front and his knees and feet on the floors of his cell showing that he was sitting upright and next to
personal belongings that were not disturbed or scattered by any struggle that should have taken
place in self preservation once he became deprived of oxygen.
(Complaint at 4-5).
3
On July 13, 2009, Dr. Tommy Brown ("Dr. Brown"), a forensic pathologist, performed an
autopsy on McIlwain's body. (M&R at 4). Dr. Brown ruled the cause of death was "[a] sphyxia due
to hanging," and that the manner of death was "[s]uicide." (Id.; see Complaint at 11-12). Dr. Brown
also ordered a toxicology report, which revealed that McIlwain had 990 nanograms per milliliter
("ng/mL") of sertraline in his bloodstream at the time of his death. (Id.; M&R at 4-5). The
toxicology report stated the following:
Toxicity has been reported at average concentrations of245 ng/mL. A fatality was
reported with a sertraline concentration of 61 0 ng/mL.
(Complaint at 11).
On July 15, 2009, Dr. James Traylor, Jr. ("Dr. Traylor"), an anatomic
pathologist,4 and Dr. Xiaohong Wang ("Dr. Wang"), also a pathologist, conducted a second autopsy,
at Plaintiffs' request. (M&R at 5). Dr. Traylor concluded, "Given the historic and investigative
materials, the cause of death is considered to be hanging with the mechanism of death being
asphyxia." (!d.). Dr. Traylor ordered his own toxicology report, which also revealed high levels of
sertraline in the decedent's blood. (Id.; Complaint at 11). The doctor reported that the level of
sertraline documented in both autopsies "is markedly elevated and within the toxic range." (See id.)
Dr. Traylor then made the following comment:
Since the individual was incarcerated and distribution of medication is tightly
controlled the toxic level of sertraline demands explanation.
(Id.).
On June 28,2010, Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988, claiming
that McIlwain's death resulted from civil rights violations committed by San Jacinto County and by
4 A "pathologist" is "a physician specializing in the study of disease." THE FREE DICTIONARY, http://
medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com. An "anatomic pathologist" has a particular focus on the "study of
changes in the function, structure, or appearance of organs or tissues." Id.
4
Walters, Jones, Bartley, Burchett, and Donnelly, in both their official and their individual capacities.
5
(plaintiffs' Original Complaint, Docket Entry #1). On an earlier motion, the court dismissed all
actions against the individual Defendants under Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, for failure to state a claim. (M&R at 21). With leave to amend, Plaintiffs filed their
Fourth Amended Complaint. In this new complaint, Plaintiffs allege that San Jacinto County, and
Walters, Jones, and Bartley, in their individual capacities, engaged in conduct that deprived
McIlwain of his rights under the United States Constitution. (Complaint at 1-17). In particular,
Plaintiffs claim that Defendants knew or should have known that there was a risk that McIlwain
would attempt suicide, but failed to take adequate measures to prevent it. (See id.). Plaintiffs also
"expressly dismiss Kenneth R. Burchett and Doreen Donnelly as Defendants." (!d. at 3; Motion at
4n.3).
On June 28,2012, Defendants filed their second motion to dismiss. They argue, first, that,
in large part, Plaintiffs' Fourth Amended Complaint "duplicates their Third Amended Complaint."
(Motion at 16-20). They then assert that none ofthe changes or additions that Plaintiffs have made
to their pleadings is sufficient to state a constitutional claim, or to avoid the qualified immunity bar.
(!d. at 20-32). And, finally, Defendants contend that Plaintiffs' claims against San Jacinto County
fail because they have not shown that there is an official policy in place that led to any constitutional
violations. (Id. at 32-33). In the alternative, Defendants move for summary judgment. (Id. at 3334). On August 15, 2012, Plaintiffs responded in opposition to Defendants' motion. Having
5 On November 3, 2011, the court dismissed Plaintiffs' claims against Walters, Jones, Bartley, Burchett,
and Donnelly in their official capacities, for failure to state a claim. (M&R at 20-21; Order Adopting Magistrate
Judge's Memorandum, Docket Entry #106). Plaintiffs initially sued two additional defendants, Dr. Robert
Woodrome, a San Jacinto County Jail physician, and Lisa Marie Everitt McGurk, a nurse at the Jail. (Plaintiffs'
Third Amended Complaint, Docket Entry #25, at 3). However, Plaintiffs later dismissed those claims. (Dismissal of
Action, Docket Entry #92; Order on Dismissal of Action, Docket Entry #107).
5
considered the pleadings and the applicable law, the court finds that Plaintiffs' claims must be
dismissed for failure to state a claim. 6
Standard of Review
Under Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may move to dismiss
an action for "failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted." FED. R. CIv. P. 12(b)(6).
Limitations periods "may support dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6) where it is evident from the
plaintiffs pleadings that the action is barred and the pleadings fail to raise some basis for tolling or
the like." Jones v. Alcoa, Inc. 339 F.3d 359,366 (5th Cir. 2003); see Nationwide Bi-Weekly Admin.,
Inc. v. Bela Corp., 512 F.3d 137, 141 (5th Cir. 2007). In considering a Rule 12(b)(6) motion, the
court "accepts 'all well-pleaded facts as true, viewing them in the light most favorable to the
plaintiff.'" In re Katrina Canal Breaches Litig., 495 F.3d 191,205 (5th Cir. 2007) (quoting Martin
K. Eby Constr. Co. v. Dallas Area Rapid Transit, 369 F.3d 464,467 (5th Cir. 2004)); accord In Re
McCoy, 666 F.3d 924,926 (5th Cir. 2012). The court, however, need not accept as true "conclusory
allegations, unwarranted factual inferences, or legal conclusions." Plotkin v. IP Axess, Inc., 407 F.3d
690, 696 (5th Cir. 2005); accord Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 677-79 (2009). Instead, "[t]o
survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to
'state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.'" !d. at 678 (quoting Bell Atlantic Corp. v.
Twombly, 550 U.S. 544,555,570 (2007)); accord Wilson v. Birnberg, 667 F.3d 591,595 (5th Cir.
2012). A claim is facially plausible "'when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court
to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged. '" Id.
6 Because this matter can be resolved as a motion to dismiss, it is unnecessary to consider the alternative
motion for summary judgment.
6
(quoting Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678). The standard of plausibility "is not akin to a 'probability
requirement,' but it asks for more than a sheer possibility that a defendant has acted unlawfully."
Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678-79; accord Wilson, 667 F.3d at 600. "Where a complaint pleads facts that are
'merely consistent with' a defendant's liability, it 'stops short of the line between possibility and
plausibility of entitlement to relief.'" PSKS, Inc. v. Leegin Creative Leather Prods., Inc., 615 F.3d
412,417 (5th Cir. 2010) (quoting Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678).
Discussion
Plaintiffs bring their claims under § 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, which provides
that:
Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or
usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be
subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction
thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the
Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in
equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.
42 U.S.C. § 1983; see Equal Access/or El Paso, Inc. v. Hawkins, 562 F.3d 724, 727 n.3 (5th Cir.
2009). Section 1983 is clearly meant to deter government officials "from using the badge of their
authority to deprive individuals oftheir federally guaranteed rights, and to provide reliefto victims
if such deterrence fails." Wyatt v. Cole, 504 U.S. 158, 161 (1992) (citing Carey v. Piphus, 435 U.S.
247, 254-57 (1978)). It should be emphasized, however, that the civil rights statutes are not
themselves the source of substantive rights. See Albright v. Oliver, 510 U.S. 266, 271 (1994).
Instead, these statutes merely provide a method for vindicating federal rights that are conferred
elsewhere. See id. In their § 1983 claims, Plaintiffs allege that Sheriff Walters, Bartley, and Jones,
in their individual capacities, and San Jacinto County violated McIlwain's rights under the Due
7
Process Clause ofthe Fourteenth Amendment. 7 (Complaint at 1, 4-17). In their motion to dismiss,
Defendants address the following:
Whether the Fourth Amended Complaint states any claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983,
against the Defendants, for which relief can be granted for alleged violations of
Plaintiffs' due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, and whether any
such claims should be dismissed pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6).
(Motion at 14). To minimize confusion in this memorandum, and because San Jacinto County did
not join the original motion to dismiss, the court will first address the claims against the individual
Defendants.
Claims against Walters, Bartley, and Jones
As in their original motion to dismiss, the individual Defendants argue here that they are
protected from this suit by the doctrine of qualified immunity. (!d. at 20-32). That doctrine protects
officials in the performance of their discretionary functions '''insofar as their conduct does not
violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have
known.'" Jennings v. Patton, 644 F.3d 297,300 (5th Cir. 2011) (quoting Pearson v. Callahan, 555
U.S. 223, 231 (2009)); accord Lockett v. New Orleans City, 607 F.3d 992, 997 (5th Cir. 2010). In
essence, the doctrine protects "'all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the
law.'" Ashcroftv. al-Kidd,_U.S. _,131 S. Ct. 2074, 2085 (2011) (quotingMalleyv. Briggs,
475 U.S. 335, 341 (1986)). In determining whether officials are entitled to the protection of qualified
immunity, a court must consider two factors. See Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300; Freeman v. Gore, 483
7 In their response, Plaintiffs also claim that Defendants violated McIlwain's rights under the Eighth
Amendment. (Response at 7-12). As the court explained in its previous memorandum, however, McIlwain's rights
are governed by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, rather than the Eighth Amendment, due to
his status as a "pretrial detainee." (M&R at 9-11). For that reason, the court will analyze Plaintiffs' claims under the
Fourteenth Amendment, as Defendants have done in their motion.
8
F.3d 404, 410 (5th Cir. 2007). The first factor is whether "the official[s] violated a statutory or
constitutional right." al-Kidd, 131 S. Ct. at 2080; accord Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300. The other
factor examines whether "the right was 'clearly established' at the time ofthe challenged conduct."
al-Kidd, 131 S. Ct. at 2080; accord Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300; Stotter v. University o/Tex. at San
Antonio, 508 F .3d 812, 823 (5th Cir. 2007). Courts are "permitted to exercise their sound discretion
in deciding which ofthe two prongs ofthe qualified immunity analysis should be addressed first in
light of the circumstances ofthe particular case at hand." Pearson, 555 U.S. at 236; see al-Kidd, 131
S. Ct. at 2080; Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300 n.3. And, when faced with a qualified immunity defense,
"a plaintiff cannot be allowed to rest on general characterizations," but, instead, "must speak to the
factual particulars ofthe alleged actions." Reyes v. Sazan, 168 F.3d 158, 161 (5th Cir. 1999).
In this case, the court need only look to the first prong to determine that Walters, Bartley, and
Jones are protected by the doctrine of qualified immunity. Plaintiffs claim that these Defendants
violated McIlwain's constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. (Complaint at 1, 4-17).
In particular, they allege that Defendants knew or should have been aware that there was a risk that
McIlwain would kill himself, and that they failed to take adequate measures to prevent it from
happening. (See id.). "A pre-trial detainee may bring a Fourteenth Amendment due process claim
in a Section 1983 action either 'as an attack on a condition of confinement or as an episodic act or
omission.'" Jones v. Lowndes County, Miss., 678 F.3d 344,352 (5th Cir. 2012) (quoting Shepherd
v. Dallas Cnty., 591 F.3d445, 452 (5th Cir. 2009)); accord Scottv. Moore, 114F.3d 51, 53 (5th Cir.
1997);Harev. City o/Corinth, Miss., 74F.3d 633, 644-45 (5th Cir. 1996). In their Fourth Amended
Complaint, as in their previous complaint, Plaintiffs appear to make arguments under both ofthese
theories.
9
Conditions of Confinement
Plaintiffs allege that Defendants subjected McIlwain to unconstitutional conditions of
confinement, which ultimately lead to his death. (See Complaint at 4-17). It has long been
established that "[a]1though the constitution 'does not mandate comfortable prisons,' conditions of
confinement 'must not involve the wanton and unnecessary infliction of pain. '" Palmer v. Johnson,
193 F.3d 346,351 (5th Cir. 1999) (quoting Rhodes v. Chapman, 452 U.S. 337, 347-49 (1981)); see
Duvall v. Dallas Cnty., 631 F.3d 203, 206-07 (5th Cir. 2011). In the case of pretrial detainees,
"conditions of confinement ... that amount to 'punishment' violate the Constitution."
!d.
"Punishment" is "usually the manifestation of an explicit policy or restriction." Shepherd, 591 F.3d
at 452 (citing Scott, 114 F.3d at 53 n.2); see Duvall, 631 F.3d at 207 (holding that "an avowed or
presumed intent by the State or its jail officials exists in the form of the challenged condition,
practice, rule, or restriction"); Hare, 74 F.3d at 644 (same).
However, in some cases, the
impermissible punishment "may reflect an unstated or de facto policy." Shepherd, 591 F.3d at 452.
In Shepherd, the Fifth Circuit explained that a de facto policy may be found in a pattern of conduct
that is "'sufficiently extended or pervasive, or otherwise typical of extended or pervasive misconduct
by [jail] officials, to prove an intended condition or practice.'" Id. (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 645);
see Duvall, 631 F.3d at 207. The Fifth Circuit cautioned, however, that proving the existence of a
de facto policy "is a heavy burden, one that has rarely been met in our caselaw." Shepherd, 591 F .3d
at 452. The Fifth Circuit has also found that, ifthe challenged condition '''is reasonably related to
a legitimate governmental objective, it does not, without more, amount to punishment.,,'8 Duvall,
8 The Fifth Circuit has recognized that "'the reasonable-relationship test employed in conditions cases is
functionally equivalent to the deliberate indifference standard employed in episodic cases.'" Duvall, 631 F .3d at 207
(quoting Scott, 114 F.3d at 54).
10
631 F.3d at 207 (quoting Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520, 539 (1979)); accord Shepherd, 591 F.3d at
452.
In this case, as in their previous complaint, Plaintiffs claim that there was a de facto policy,
as opposed to "an explicit policy or restriction," which lead to a dangerous condition in the Jail that
ultimately resulted in McIlwain's death. (See Complaint at 4-17). Plaintiffs allege, for instance, that
the individual Defendants engaged in the following pattern of conduct:
failing to maintain suicide watch on individuals such as Decedent who had earlier
demonstrated manifest signs of suicidal tendencies through his attempted suicide in
the Jail and/or instituting a training program for inmate protection/suicide prevention,
despite an obvious, known, demonstrable and manifest risk presented by Decedent.
(Id. at 6). They also allege that the individuals had a "custom of not controlling the dispensation of
prescription medication." (Id. at 10). Plaintiffs contend further that Defendants routinely "ignor[ ed]
and neglect[ ed] the needs ofthe mentally ill." (Id.). In an attempt to correct the deficiencies in the
Third Amended Complaint, Plaintiffs repeat many ofthe allegations in that earlier pleading, and add
some new allegations, as well. (Motion at 21-32). As a result, to the extent that any of Plaintiffs'
allegations are identical to those previously dismissed from the earlier complaints, the court need not
revisit them, on an individual basis, in this memorandum. (See id. at 15,20).
Plaintiffs' latest complaint does, however, contain several allegations that were not present
in earlier pleadings. For example, in regard to Defendants' purported knowledge that McIlwain was
a suicide risk, Plaintiffs now claim that the decedent wrote letters to family and friends that made
"references to suicide," and that those letters were "[presumably] censored and opened by a [jail]
employee." (Response at 4). They also allege that, after he cut his wrists, McIlwain told his
girlfriend, Tarra Nicole Rice ("Rice"), that "he had been called into the office of Defendant Bartley
11
who advised him to never [sic] try committing suicide again." (Complaint at 5, 8). Plaintiffs further
state that,
Approximately two weeks after the incident, Donald and Sherry McIlwain visited
Decedent at the jail and saw the gauze that was on his wrists and observed the
swelling and scabbing over associated with the suicide attempt when McIlwain
removed the gauze and showed them.
(Id. at 5). And Plaintiffs now contend that Bartley "knew of the gauze on [McIlwain's] wrists." (!d.
at 6). Plaintiffs claim that, as a whole, these allegations show that Defendants knew or should have
been aware that there was a risk that McIlwain would kill himself. (See id.).
In other cases involving a jail suicide, however, courts in this circuit have made clear that
"the correct legal standard is not whether the jail officers 'knew or should have known'" of a suicide
risk, but "whether they had gained actual knowledge ofthe substantial risk of suicide and responded
with deliberate indifference." Hare, 74 F.3d at 650 (emphasis added); accord Matis ex reI. Wajda
v. Joseph, 2007 WL 183069, at *3 (E.D. La. 2007); Posey v. Southwestern Bell Tel. L.P., 430 F.
Supp. 2d 616,622 (N.D. Tex. 2006). In this case, Plaintiffs' new allegations, even if accepted as
true, do not show that Defendants had "actual knowledge" that there was a substantial risk of suicide.
See Hare, 74 F.3d at 650. First, none of Plaintiffs' allegations shows that Defendants knew that
McIlwain had, in fact, attempted suicide. (See Motion at 22). Instead, at best, they show that the
Decedent was treated for cuts on his wrists, and that he made "references to suicide" to Rice, his
friends, and his family. Also, notably, Plaintiffs do not allege that, during the two-month period
between the alleged wrist cutting and his suicide, McIlwain made any further attempt to harm
himself, or told any Defendant that he was contemplating suicide. (See id. at 21-24). Further, in
their most recent Complaint, Plaintiffs omitted two previous allegations, namely, that McIlwain
12
attempted to hang himself during his initial days at the Jail, and that he, himself, had "advised his
parents of his discussion of this matter with Defendant Bartlett." (Motion at 21; Third Amended
Complaint at 6). Clearly, Plaintiffs' case is weaker in the absence of allegations of a prior hanging
attempt by McIlwain, and of a direct communication between the Decedent and his family. In short,
Plaintiffs have not supported their contention that the individual Defendants had actual knowledge
of a substantial risk that McIlwain would attempt suicide.
Another of Plaintiffs' new allegations is a mere comment that McIlwain's "physical ability
to hang himself is questionable due to his impaired state and due to the fact that his body was found
in a suspicious/questionable position" in his cell. (Complaint at 4-5; Motion at 20-21). In this case,
given that both autopsies concluded that the young man had hung himself, and in the absence of any
supporting allegations of fact, this is no more than speculation that McIlwain may not have
committed suicide after all. (See id.).
Plaintiffs have also added an allegation that McIlwain suffered from a seizure earlier on the
date of his death, but that Defendants did not "force him" to go to the hospital. (Complaint at 1416). Plaintiffs contend, specifically, as follows:
Defendants failed to order that he be transported to a hospital for treatment and
Decedent allegedly refused treatment from paramedics, an option that if true,
Plaintiffs allege should not have been given to an individual showing symptoms of
a seizure. In addition, Plaintiffs allege that this response seems an unlikely one from
an inmate/detainee in solitary confinement.
(!d.). Plaintiffs claim that Defendants should have had a policy or procedure in place that "would
have required the mandatory evacuation of Decedent to a medical care facility." (!d. at 15).
However, they cite no facts in support of this claim. Plaintiffs allege that McIlwain informed a
fellow inmate ofthe seizure, and asked him to notify his family that he was "ok." (!d.). But even
13
accepting this allegation as true, it does not appear to have any connection to his death and, in fact,
suggests that McIlwain felt "ok" at the time, rather than suicidal.
Plaintiffs make a further recent allegation, that Broderick Fountain ("Fountain"), a fellow
inmate, observed that "inmates/detainees [were allowed to] assist medical personnel with the
dispensing of medications." (!d. at 11). Pointing, in part, to Fountain's alleged observations,
Plaintiffs argue that "[t]he dispensation [ofmedication] was lacidasical [sic] and indifferent showing
a lack of training." (!d.). However, Plaintiffs do not name any ofthe "medical personnel" involved,
or provide any specific details that might support a claim that Defendants failed to administer
medication properly. What's more, Plaintiffs do not allege that Fountain observed an improper
administration of medication to McIlwain. (See id.; Motion at 28). Clearly, these recent allegations
do not lend additional support to Plaintiffs' claims.
Finally, Plaintiffs now allege that the individual Defendants imposed unconstitutional
conditions of confinement by permitting the Jail to remain understaffed, and by failing to keep
adequate records. (Complaint at 6-14). In fact, Plaintiffs question the accuracy ofthe records that
were kept, and make vague allegations that many records that would be relevant to this case were
altered or destroyed. (!d. at 6, 9-10). Plaintiffs point to the fact that the J ail lost its certification on
July 14, 2009, as further proof that Defendants were engaged in a pattern of conduct '''sufficiently
extended or pervasive, or otherwise typical of extended or pervasive misconduct by [jail] officials. '"
(Id. at 13). Shepherd, 591 F.3d at 452 (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 645). Again, however, Plaintiffs
have done no more than make conclusory, unsubstantiated statements of questionable relevance to
their underlying claims.
Here, then, taking the facts alleged as true, Plaintiffs have once again failed to state a claim
14
based on "conditions of confinement." Instead, at best, the facts alleged suggest the mere possibility
that the individual Defendants were aware that McIlwain was at risk of committing suicide, but took
no measures to prevent it, and that he had taken an excessive amount of medication before his death.
(See Complaint at 4-17). Plaintiffs have not made any allegations that, iftrue, would support their
claims as a matter of fact. In short, none of Plaintiffs' allegations states a claim, that is plausible on
its face, that McIlwain was subjected to unconstitutional conditions of confinement. See Iqbal, 129
S. Ct. at 1949. For that reason, Plaintiffs have failed to plead sufficient facts from which the court
can "draw the reasonable inference that" each ofthese Defendants violated McIlwain's Due Process
rights through the conditions of his confinement. See id. Not only are Plaintiffs' allegations lacking
in detail, but they point only to isolated events during McIlwain's confinement that may have
contributed to his suicide. (See Complaint at 4-14). "[I]solated examples of illness, injury, or even
death, standing alone, cannot prove that conditions of confinement are constitutionally inadequate."
Shepherd, 591 F.3d at 454. The facts, as alleged by Plaintiffs, do not state a claim that either an
explicit policy or a de facto policy resulted in unconstitutional conditions of confinement. See id.
at 452 (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 645); Scott, 114 F.3d at 53 n.2. Because Plaintiffs have not
adequately pleaded a "conditions of confinement" claim, they cannot avoid the bar of the qualified
immunity defense. See al-Kidd, 131 S. Ct. at 2080; Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300; see also Shepherd,
591 F.3d at 452.
Episodic Acts or Omissions
Plaintiffs also appear to allege that Defendants violated McIlwain's constitutional rights
through "episodic acts or omissions." (See Complaint at 4-17; Motion at 18-20). In Shepherd, the
Fifth Circuit remarked that "a plaintiffs claim, properly characterized, faults specific jail officials
15
for their acts or omissions, because the plaintiff cannot establish the existence of an officially
sanctioned unlawful condition." 591 F.3d at 452. The Shepherd court stated that,
[i]n these cases, "an actor usually is interposed between the detainee and the
municipality, such that the detainee complains first of a particular act of, or omission
by, the actor and then points derivatively to a policy, custom, or rule (or lack thereof)
of the municipality that permitted or caused the act or omission."
Id. (quoting Scott, 114 F.3d at 53). The Fifth Circuit held that, in these "specific acts or omissions"
cases, "[b]ecause the focus of the claim is one individual's misconduct, the detainee is required to
prove intent-specifically, that one or more jail officials 'acted or failed to act with deliberate
indifference to the detainee's needs.'" Id. (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 648).
In this case, Plaintiffs' claims appear to focus on purported misconduct by select individuals,
which allegedly resulted in a violation of McIlwain's Fourteenth Amendment due process rights.
(See Complaint at 4-17). However, as detailed earlier, Plaintiffs have failed to plead "factual content
that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant[ s are] liable for the
misconduct alleged." See Iqbal, 129 S. Ct. at 1949; Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556. In particular,
Plaintiffs have not adequately alleged that Defendants had "actual knowledge ofthe substantial risk
of suicide," as required for a successful claim. See Hare, 74 F.3d at 650. As a result, they have not
stated a claim that the individual Defendants violated McIlwain's constitutional rights, and, so, have
not rebutted the assertion of qualified immunity. See id.; Pearson, 555 U.S. at 231; Jennings, 644
F.3d at 300.
Further, even ifthe facts alleged appeared to support their "episodic act or omission" claim,
Plaintiffs would have to show, as well, that the individuals acted with "deliberate indifference." See
Brown v. Strain, 663 F.3d 245, 249 (5th Cir. 2011). It is beyond dispute that the Fourteenth
16
Amendment "requires that state officials not disregard the 'basic human needs' of pretrial detainees,
including medical care." Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300 (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 650). It is also well
settled that a government official "violates this right when [he] responds to a detainee's serious
medical needs with deliberate indifference." Jd.; accord Brown v. Callahan, 623 F.3d 249,253 (5th
Cir. 2010); Hare, 74 F.3d at 647-48. A finding of "deliberate indifference," however, requires a
showing of "a state of mind more blameworthy than negligence. " Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U. S. 825,
835 (1994) (citing Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104 (1976)). In fact, to show "deliberate
indifference," a party must establish the following:
(i) that the individual had "'subjective knowledge of facts from which an inference
of substantial risk of serious harm could be drawn"';
(ii) that the individual '''actually drew that inference"'; and
(iii) that the individual's "response to the risk indicates that he 'subjectively intended
that harm to occur.'"
Brown, 663 F.3d at 249 (quoting Tamez v. Manthey, 589 F.3d 764, 769-70 (5th Cir. 2009)); see
Calhoun v. Hargrove, 312 F.3d 730,734 (5th Cir. 2002)(citingFarmer, 511 U.S. at 837); Hare, 74
F.3d at 648-49.
In this case, Plaintiffs claim that the individual Defendants acted, or failed to act, with
deliberate indifference to the risk that McIlwain might commit suicide. (Complaint at 4-12). They
fail, however, to support that claim. First, Plaintiffs frame most of their allegations against
"Defendants" as a group, rather than stating specific facts that are attributable to each individual.
"Deliberate indifference," however, cannot be shown through the actions ofthe cumulative group.
See Lawson v. Dallas Cty., 286 F.3d257, 262 (5th Cir. 2002);Stewartv. Murphy, 174 F.3d 530, 534
(5th Cir. 1999).
Instead, each named member of that group must be shown to have acted,
17
independently, with deliberate indifference. See id.; see also Calhoun, 312 F.3d at 734 (a claim of
deliberate indifference requires a showing that a particular official was aware that the plaintiff was
at risk of serious harm). In this case, in the few instances in which Plaintiffs refer to an official by
name, they state broadly that the individual was responsible for ensuring the safety and well being
of inmates. (See Complaint at 4-12). But they never allege facts that, if true, make a plausible case
that any particular official knew of, and disregarded, the risk that McIlwain might commit suicide.
See Iqbal, 129 S. Ct. at 1949; Stewart, 174 F.3d at 537; Hare, 74 F.3d at 650. Because Plaintiffs
have not alleged facts with respect to each specific individual, then, they have not stated a claim that
any of them acted with deliberate indifference. See Lawson, 286 F.3d at 262 (citing Stewart, 174
F.3d at 537).
Likewise, as detailed earlier, Plaintiffs have not set out facts which suggest that McIlwain's
alleged attempts at suicide were specifically known to the individual Defendants, or that they knew
that there was a substantial risk that he would attempt to take his life. (See Complaint at 5-6).
Instead, they ask the court to infer that Defendants were aware that McIlwain was at risk from such
allegations as that McIlwain told Rice that Bartley had advised him never to "try committing suicide
again," and that the Decedent had his wrists wrapped in gauze two months before his death. (See
id. at 5-8). Clearly, none ofthese allegations is sufficient to show that anyone ofthe individually
named Defendants actually knew that McIlwain was a suicide risk, but "responded with deliberate
indifference." See Hare, 74 F.3d at 650.
Plaintiffs further argue that "evidence of this [attempted suicide by wrist cutting] was noted
on the [second] autopsy." (See id.; M&R at 5). However, they do not show how such a finding
supports their claim that Defendants acted with deliberate indifference while McIlwain was still
18
alive. See Calhoun, 312 F.3d at 734. And, although they claim that a high level of sertraline was
found in McIlwain's bloodstream after his death, Plaintiffs have not alleged any facts to show that
the individual Defendants were aware of a risk of harm to McIlwain. (See Complaint at 4-17). In
fact, they do not even allege that any of these Defendants distributed the medication to McIlwain.
(Motion at 20-32). Nor do they contend that any ofthese individuals knew of a risk that was posed
by dispensing sertraline. (!d.). In addition, they have not pleaded any facts from which any of the
officials could have drawn an inference that there was a risk that McIlwain would receive excessive
medication. (Jd.). In fact, Plaintiffs pleaded no facts that show that the individual Defendants were
aware that McIlwain had any serious mental health problems. (Jd.).
In short, nothing in the Complaint contains "allegations of fact," which "focus[] specifically
on the conduct of the individual," to suggest that each of these Defendants acted with deliberate
indifference in the matter of McIlwain's death. See Farmer, 511 U.S. at 835; Reyes, 168 F.3dat 161.
Indeed, the Fifth Circuit has stated that, "although inadequate medical treatment may, at a certain
point, rise to the level of a constitutional violation, malpractice or negligent care does not." Stewart,
174 F.3d at 534. Absent a showing of Defendants' deliberate indifference, Plaintiffs simply have
no claim that the individuals violated McIlwain's constitutional rights. See Shepherd, 591 F.3d at
452; Hare, 74 F.3d at 650. Because Plaintiffs have not stated a claim for a constitutional violation,
the individuals are entitled to protection from suit under the doctrine of qualified immunity. See
al-Kidd, 131 S. Ct. at 2080; Jennings, 644 F.3d at 300.
Claims against San Jacinto County
San Jacinto County now joins the individual Defendants in asserting that this case should be
dismissed for failure to state a claim. (Motion at 32-33; see Complaint at 4-19). In their complaint,
19
Plaintiffs allege that the County is liable under § 1983 on the same grounds as the individual
Defendants. (!d. at 4-17). But it is well-established that a local government agency cannot be held
liable for claims brought pursuant to § 1983, under a theory of respondeat superior. See Monell v.
Department o/Soc. Servs. o/City o/N Y, 436 U.S. 658, 694 (1978). Instead, plaintiffs seeking relief
under § 1983 must show "that there was either an official policy or an unofficial custom, adopted
by the municipality, that was the moving force behind the claimed constitutional violation." Duvall,
631 F.3d at 209 (citing Monell, 436 U.S. at 694); see Cox v. City o/Dallas, Tex., 430 F.3d 734,74849 (5th Cir. 2005) (quoting Piotrowski v. City o/Houston, 237 F.3d 567,578 (5th Cir. 2001)). The
Fifth Circuit has held that, typically, an "official policy" is either one of the following:
1.
A policy statement, ordinance, regulation, or decision that is officially
promulgated by the local governmental unit's law making officers or by an official
to whom the lawmakers have delegated policy making authority;
or
2.
A persistent, widespread practice of local officials or local government
employees, which although not authorized by officially adopted and promulgated
policy is so common and well settled as to constitute a custom that fairly represents
local government policy.
Webster v. City o/Houston, 735 F.2d 838,841 (5th Cir. 1984); see Cox, 430 F.3d at 748; Pineda v.
City 0/Houston, 291 F.3d 325, 328 (5th Cir. 2002); Brown v. Bryan Cnty., 219 F.3d 450,457 (5th
Cir. 2000). In a recent case, the Fifth Circuit held that a showing of official actions that "are
'sufficiently extended or pervasive ... to prove an intended condition or practice'" is equivalent to
a showing of the second consideration. Duvall, 430 F.3d 208 (quoting Hare, 74 F.3d at 645). On
the other hand, courts have held that isolated events are generally insufficient to be '''the persistent,
often repeated constant violations that constitute custom and policy as required for municipal section
20
1983 liability.'" Gates v. Texas Dep 't ofProtective & Regulatory Servs., 537 F 3d 404, 437 (5th Cir.
2008) (quoting Campbell v. City of San Antonio, 43 F.3d 973, 977 (5th Cir. 1995)); see Burge v.
Tammany Parish, 336 F.3d 363, 370 (5th Cir. 2003).
In this case, Plaintiffs have failed to plead facts that are sufficient to establish any
constitutional violations on the part of the individual Defendants. Because Plaintiffs' claims under
§ 1983 against the County are the same as those against the individual Defendants, they suffer from
the same pleading deficiencies. In particular, Plaintiffs have failed to allege facts to show the
existence of a policy, custom or widespread practice which is necessary to hold the County liable
under Monell. Nor have they pleaded facts that demonstrate an unconstitutional policy or decision
that was made "by an official to whom lawmakers have delegated policy-making authority." Brown,
219 F.3d at 457. As a result, Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim under § 1983 against San Jacinto
County, and dismissal of those claims is appropriate.
Finally, Plaintiffs bring state law claims against the County for wrongful death, pain and
suffering, and mental anguish, and to recover funeral expenses. (Complaint at 17-19). However,
in response to the motion to dismiss, Plaintiffs do not discuss their state law claims. (See Response
at 5-16). The court previously dismissed these claims against the individual Defendants. (See
Docket Entry #29). Under these circumstances, Plaintiffs appear to have abandoned their state law
claims against the County. Further, the state law claims are based on Defendants' alleged failure to
"place Decedent on suicide watch despite a known propensity to commit suicide," to regularly
observe inmates, to train employees, and to carefully administer medication. (Complaint at 17-18).
As the court has already found, however, Plaintiffs have not pleaded more than conclusory and
unsubstantiated allegations on such matters. Plaintiffs further allege that the County is liable "[i]n
21
failing to maintain certification of the Jail." (Id. at 17). However, because the "decertification"
occurred after McIlwain's death, it does not support Plaintiffs' state law claims. For these reasons,
Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim against San Jacinto County under federal and state law, and
those claims are subject to dismissal.
In sum, Plaintiffs' Fourth Amended Complaint should be dismissed, in its entirety, for failure
to state a claim. Plaintiffs' request to dismiss Burchett and Donnelly as Defendants to this action
should be granted. As a final matter, the court finds no reason to grant leave to amend, because
Plaintiffs have had four opportunities to plead their case, and have been unable to do so. See United
States ex reI. Adrian v. Regents of Univ. of Cal., 363 F.3d 398, 404 (5th Cir. 2004). For these
reasons, the court grants Defendants' motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, and dismisses this
case with prejudice to a refiling.
Conclusion
Accordingly, it is ORDERED that Defendants' motion to dismiss is GRANTED, that
Plaintiffs' voluntary dismissal of their claims against Defendants Burchett and Donnelly is
GRANTED, and that this case is DISMISSED, with prejudice.
This is a FINAL JUDGMENT.
The Clerk of the Court shall send copies of the memorandum and order to the respective
parties.
SIGNED at Houston, Texas, this 26th day 0
~b ,2012.
I \
\
MARYM LL
"'-UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE
22
I
JUDG~
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