Arkansas County Settles for $3 Million Over Jail Death

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has reached a $3 million settlement with the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr., who died in 2021 from dehydration and malnutrition while incarcerated at the Sebastian County Jail. The Sebastian County Quorum Court unanimously approved the settlement on Tuesday, following a lawsuit that alleged neglect by jail staff and medical providers. Price, who had a history of serious mental illness, was held in solitary confinement for over a year while awaiting trial on a terroristic threatening charge. The lawsuit claimed that Price's constitutional rights were violated as he experienced significant weight loss, dropping from 185 pounds to just 90 pounds during his time in custody. It accused the jail and its medical provider, Turn Key Health Clinics, of failing to address Price's deteriorating health and mental well-being. Reports indicated that jail staff discontinued his mental health medications after he refused to take them, without making any follow-up efforts to support him. In June, both parties sought a settlement conference, leading to the recent agreement. An attorney for Turn Key Health Clinics confirmed that they also entered into a settlement but could not provide further details until finalized. The lawsuit highlighted ongoing issues at the jail, including overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate facilities, which have been identified in previous inspections. Price's arrest in August 2020 stemmed from an incident where he threatened police officers while mimicking a gun with his finger. At the time, he was homeless and also faced challenges related to a developmental disability.