Arkansas jail settles for $6 million over detainee death

In a significant legal case, Sebastian County and Turn Key Health Clinics LLC have reached a $6 million settlement with the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr., who died in 2021 while incarcerated. Price, who had a history of serious mental illness, was held in solitary confinement for over a year awaiting trial on a terroristic threatening charge. During this time, he suffered from severe dehydration and malnutrition, with his weight plummeting from 185 pounds to just 90 pounds. The lawsuit filed by Price's family accused the jail and health provider of neglect, particularly highlighting the discontinuation of his mental health medications after he refused to take them. The family argued that there was a lack of follow-up on his mental health needs, which contributed to his deteriorating condition. Turn Key, while stating it provided some medical care, acknowledged that it failed to deliver adequate mental health counseling services to Price. Following Price's death, both Turn Key and Sebastian County recognized the need for improved mental health services within the jail system. They have since agreed to consolidate their medical and mental health services to better address the needs of inmates. Rodney Price, Larry's brother, expressed that while no financial settlement could replace his brother, the outcome of the case could lead to necessary changes in the treatment of inmates, potentially saving lives in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper care for individuals in custody.