Texas judge approves $1.9M inmate death settlement
East Texas judge approves $1.9M settlement with family of inmate who died in custody in 2010
MARSHALL, Texas (AP) — A federal judge has approved a $1.9 million settlement between an East Texas county and relatives of a drug-recovering inmate who died in custody.
The agreement approved Monday in Marshall was reached by Gregg County and survivors of 33-year-old Amy Lynn Cowling of Gilmer. Cowling was under the care of a methadone clinic when she was arrested on Christmas Eve 2010 on misdemeanor theft warrants.
Relatives say Cowling was denied her prescription drugs while in custody and died several days later.
The Marshall News-Messenger (http://bit.ly/12s1jX0 ) reported Tuesday that most of the money goes to Cowling's children — ages 14, 17 and 19. Her mother Vicki Bankhead was awarded $750,000.
Five jailers were fired or reassigned after the death. Two have been indicted.
Gregg County admits no wrongdoing in the settlement.
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Information from: Marshall News Messenger, http://www.coxnews.com/marshall.htm
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