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Oklahoma County Jail: One of the Deadliest in America
58+ deaths since 2020. 13 consecutive failed inspections. A mortality rate 19x the national average. If your loved one died or was harmed here, we can help you hold them accountable.
Ongoing Crisis
DOJ investigation active. Multiple deaths in 2025. Evidence disappears quickly.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The Death Rate Exploded
Compare annual death rates before and after the Jail Trust took over
Under Sheriff's Office
2000–2020 (20 years)
3.6
deaths/yr
average
average
73 deaths in 20 years
Under Jail Trust
2020–Present (5 yrs)
11.6
deaths/yr
average
average
58+ deaths in 5 years
3.2×
higher death rate under the Jail Trust
Jail Trust Era: Year by Year
2020
4*
2021
14*
2022
16*
2023
7*
2024
7*
2025
8*
2026
1*
*2026 as of Feb. 6 · 2022 was the deadliest year in jail history
How Did We Get Here?
In July 2020, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority—known as the Jail Trust—took over operations from the county sheriff. The promise was professionalization and accountability. The reality has been catastrophic.
The jail has failed 13 consecutive health inspections. Turn Key Health Clinics walked away citing 'intolerable conditions.' The Department of Justice found federal civil rights violations. And at least 58 people have died.
This is not a facility with problems to fix. This is a systemic failure that costs lives. And for families who have lost loved ones, the path to accountability starts with understanding what went wrong—and who is responsible.
Read Our Full InvestigationTimeline: The Jail Trust Era
Recent Incidents
This page is updated as new incidents occur. Evidence disappears quickly—contact us immediately if you believe you have a claim.
policyFebruary 20, 2026
Inmate Held 4 Days After Bond Posted; Mother Reports Unanswered Calls
Jennifer Parker-Reyes was arrested on a Canadian County warrant and held at OCDC. Her mother posted bond on Friday, but Jennifer was not released until the following Tuesday. The jail claimed missing paperwork that Canadian County confirmed had been faxed, and told the family only one person handles releases. Parker-Reyes has a brain injury requiring medical accommodations the jail could not provide.
policyFebruary 7, 2026
Fired Employees File Federal Whistleblower Lawsuit Against Jail Trust
Former Chief Investigator Melissa Ritter and Chief of Operations Tony Towery filed a federal whistleblower lawsuit alleging they were fired after refusing illegal orders from then-CEO Brandi Garner — including plans to bug a shift commander's office, blocking state health inspectors, and granting felons access to confidential FBI criminal databases. The suit was moved to federal court on Feb. 3, 2026.
deathJanuary 21, 2026
1st Death of 2026: Jeremiah Coffey
Jeremiah Coffey, 22, was found unresponsive in his cell on January 21, 2026, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. He had recently been charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The jail is now limiting information released about in-custody deaths.
leadershipJanuary 13, 2026
Jim Hullman Named 6th OCCJA Chairman Since 2020
Jim Hullman becomes the sixth chairperson of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (Jail Trust) since its 2020 inception. Commissioner Jason Lowe continues to advocate for dissolution and return of jail management to Sheriff Tommie Johnson III.
Death Tracker
Named detainee deaths with verified news sources
56 documented deaths with sources
Methodology & Sources
Definition of "Death"
Includes detainees who died in-custody or at a hospital after being transported from the facility. Does not include deaths after release.
Sources Monitored
NonDoc, The Frontier, Free Press OKC, KOCO, News9, KOSU/KGOU, Oklahoma Medical Examiner public records.
Last updated: February 2026. Causes of death are provisional until ME releases final determination.
| Name | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Coffey | January 21, 2026 | Free Press OKC |
| Everett Edwards | July 3, 2025 | KFOR |
| Mario Latreal Mason | May 12, 2025 | NonDoc |
| Rachel Nalley | April 26, 2025 | The Oklahoman |
| Clinton Pike | April 25, 2025 | OKC Fox |
| Michelle Young | March 17, 2025 | KOCO |
| Vincent Riggie | January 18, 2025 | KOCO |
| Vincent Burke | January 8, 2025 | KOCO |
| Steven Woods | December 11, 2024 | KOCO |
| Sandra Cunningham | September 15, 2024 | KOCO |
| Timothy Lee Hardin | July 29, 2024 | OKC Fox |
| Jeremy Birchfield | June 2, 2024 | KOKH / OKC Fox |
| James Lynn Jetton | May 28, 2024 | KOKH / OKC Fox |
| Jack Alexander | March 15, 2024 | KOCO |
| Derek Strother | February 26, 2024 | NonDoc |
| Lashala Taulbee-Pratt | September 21, 2023 | KOSU |
| Amber Owens | April 24, 2023 | Free Press OKC |
| Frank Ramirez | April 23, 2023 | Free Press OKC |
| Courtenay Doyle | April 21, 2023 | Free Press OKC |
| Dina Kirven | April 8, 2023 | The Oklahoman |
| Kenneth Parrott | February 27, 2023 | Free Press OKC |
| Isiah Mitchell | January 30, 2023 | Free Press OKC |
| Danny Paulin | August 19, 2022 | OKC Fox |
| Robert Dale Richards | July 31, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Shawn Slavens | July 11, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Corey McMichael | July 2, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Melvin Loveless | June 22, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Eddie Garcia | May 13, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Dustin Revas | March 28, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Charles Moore | March 11, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Kyle Shaw | February 13, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Andrew Avelar | February 1, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Winfred Lowe | January 15, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Austin Bishop | January 10, 2022 | NonDoc |
| Gregory Davis | August 13, 2021 | OKC Fox |
| Jimmy Bedford | August 10, 2021 | The Frontier |
| Christa Sullivan | May 15, 2021 | The Frontier |
| Roosevelt Larry Knox | August 19, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Clarence Steven Merrell | August 14, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Chester Wayne Level Jr. | July 22, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Tammy German | July 6, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Desirae Denton | June 13, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Matthew Mason | June 13, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Jimmy Knighten | June 12, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Jay Patrick Taylor | May 26, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Joseph Wiley Rhodes | April 27, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Dustin Dabbs | March 26, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Gary Nin Austin | February 20, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Michael Reagan Jr. | January 13, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Michael Guthrie | January 3, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Lance Solomon | January 3, 2020 | The Frontier |
| LaWanda Ward | January 1, 2020 | The Frontier |
| Ryan Melton | September 27, 2019 | The Frontier |
| Dianne Annette Jones | September 23, 2019 | The Frontier |
| Tara Lynn Garcia | May 17, 2019 | The Frontier |
| John Leroy Daniel Applegate | May 1, 2019 | The Frontier |
Types of Claims
We handle all types of jail-related civil rights claims. Click to learn more about each category.
Wrongful Death
When systemic negligence or deliberate indifference causes an in-custody death.
Learn More
Medical Neglect
Denying or delaying essential medical care, medications, or emergency treatment.
Learn More
Suicide Prevention Failures
Ignoring warning signs, failing to implement protocols, or providing means for self-harm.
Learn More
Failure to Protect
Allowing inmate-on-inmate violence when officials knew of the danger.
Learn More
Understaffing
Dangerously low staffing that makes adequate supervision impossible.
Learn More
Delayed Emergency Response
Failure to respond to medical emergencies in time to save lives.
Learn More
Who Is Responsible?
Jail death cases often involve multiple defendants. We identify all potentially liable parties to maximize accountability and recovery.
Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority
The Jail Trust
The governing body operating the jail since July 2020. Can be sued under Monell doctrine for unconstitutional policies and customs.
Turn Key Health Clinics
Former Medical Provider
Provided medical services until October 2024. Terminated contract citing 'chronic, severe' understaffing. Faced dozens of lawsuits related to inmate deaths nationally. May be liable for deaths during their tenure.
Oklahoma DMHSAS
Mental Health Agency
State agency the DOJ identified as failing to provide community-based mental health services, causing people to be jailed instead of treated.
Individual Officers
Personal Capacity Suits
Officers who personally acted with deliberate indifference can be sued in their individual capacity. Qualified immunity can be overcome with clear evidence.
Settlements & Verdicts
Families have successfully held the jail accountable. These settlements demonstrate that justice is possible.
Torrance Gene Jackson
Oklahoma County settles federal lawsuit by Torrance Gene Jackson for $3 million. Jackson was paralyzed in August 2017 when an officer allegedly "pile drove" his head into a cement floor during booking, breaking his neck. He is now a quadriplegic requiring 24/7 care.
Charlton Chrisman
Family of Charlton Chrisman settles federal civil rights lawsuit for $1.1 million. Chrisman died in April 2017 after being repeatedly shot with pepper balls by guards. Autopsy cited "multiple pepper ball injuries" as contributing factor.
Dakota Simco-Horvath
Oklahoma County settles lawsuit by Dakota Simco-Horvath, who was assaulted by a jailer who used handcuffs as brass knuckles to punch him in the face. The jailer pleaded no contest to assault charges.
* Prior settlements do not guarantee future results. Each case is evaluated on its own facts.
What To Do If Your Loved One Is Inside—Or Has Died
DO
- ✓Request medical records immediately
- ✓Document all communication with the jail in writing
- ✓Photograph any visible injuries during visits
- ✓Save all texts, voicemails, and jail phone recordings
- ✓Contact an attorney before speaking to jail investigators
- ✓Request the autopsy report immediately after a death
DON'T
- ✗Wait to contact an attorney—evidence disappears in 30-90 days
- ✗Give recorded statements to jail investigators without counsel
- ✗Accept initial explanations at face value
- ✗Sign any settlement without legal review
- ✗Post details on social media that could affect your case
- ✗Assume the jail's internal investigation will be fair
Related Resources
Deep-dive guides and legal analysis on jail death claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (Jail Trust) assumed control in July 2020, at least 58 detainees have died at the facility. This represents a mortality rate approximately 19 times the national average for county jails.
Yes. The Jail Trust is a public entity that may be liable under federal Monell doctrine if an unconstitutional policy or custom caused the death. Given the documented pattern of failures—chronic understaffing, 11 consecutive failed inspections, ignored medical needs—establishing Monell liability against the Jail Trust may be viable in many cases.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling shields some medical contractors from state law liability. However, federal Section 1983 claims remain available because they are not subject to state tort immunity. If officials were 'deliberately indifferent' to your loved one's serious medical needs, federal claims can still succeed.
Potential defendants include: individual jail officers (in their personal capacity), the medical provider (Turn Key Health Clinics or its successor), the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (in ADA-related cases), and Oklahoma County itself. We evaluate all potentially liable parties.
Deliberate indifference means officials knew of a substantial risk to health or safety and consciously disregarded it. We prove it through medical records showing ignored sick call requests, staffing logs showing missed safety checks, grievances filed by the decedent, surveillance footage, and facility-wide patterns of failure like the 11 consecutive failed health inspections.
The DOJ concluded in January 2025 that Oklahoma County Jail violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by serving as the 'default behavioral health provider' for Oklahoma City. This means people with mental health disabilities are being jailed instead of receiving community-based treatment, violating federal civil rights law.
In October 2024, Turn Key terminated its contract citing the jail's 'chronic, severe' lack of security staff. Without enough officers to escort patients to appointments or provide security for healthcare workers, Turn Key concluded it could not provide adequate care. The company faced over 160 lawsuits nationally, with at least 30 related to inmate deaths.
For federal Section 1983 claims, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death. For state law claims under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act, you must file a notice within 1 year. Evidence like surveillance footage may be destroyed within 30-90 days. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Families can recover funeral expenses, the deceased's pre-death pain and suffering, loss of future income and support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Punitive damages are available against individual officers. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1988, the government pays your attorney's fees if you prevail.
Document everything. Keep records of all communications with the jail. If your loved one has serious medical or mental health needs, put those needs in writing to jail administration and keep copies. If conditions deteriorate, consider requesting a bail reduction. Contact us immediately if you believe their health is at risk.
No. The facility has failed 13 consecutive Oklahoma State Department of Health inspections since the Trust took over. Issues cited include bed bugs, roaches, mice, understaffing, missed safety checks, faulty intercom systems, and unsanitary conditions.
In May 2025, Oklahoma passed the Jail Standards Act (SB 595) mandating annual inspections statewide. The DOJ is working with the state on ADA remedies. The Jail Trust is conducting a self-review that may lead to dissolution. Voters approved $260 million in bonds for a new jail in 2022, but costs have ballooned to $610 million with no construction started.
Yes. Pretrial detainees (people awaiting trial, legally presumed innocent) have stronger constitutional protections under the Fourteenth Amendment. Courts apply an 'objective reasonableness' standard rather than the stricter 'deliberate indifference' standard. Most people at Oklahoma County Jail are pretrial detainees.
You can request autopsy reports from the Oklahoma Medical Examiner, and use the Oklahoma Open Records Act to request incident reports and medical records from the jail. Through litigation, we can subpoena surveillance footage, staff communications, training records, and internal policies. We act quickly to preserve evidence before it's destroyed.
Yes. If your loved one survived an assault, received inadequate medical care, or was subjected to unconstitutional conditions, they may have civil rights claims. Injuries don't have to be fatal to be actionable—the focus is whether officials were deliberately indifferent to serious risks.
Evidence Disappears. Time Is Critical.
Surveillance footage is often deleted within 30-90 days. Witnesses forget. Records can be lost. If your loved one died or was harmed at Oklahoma County Jail, contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
Secure Representation That Wins.
If you are facing a complex legal challenge, do not settle for average counsel. Contact Addison Law Firm today.