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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.

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Ongoing Crisis

DOJ investigation active. Multiple deaths in 2025. Evidence disappears quickly.

See Recent Deaths

The Numbers Don't Lie

58+

Deaths Since 2020

19x

National Mortality Rate

13

Failed Inspections

$4.2M

In Settlements

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

73 deaths in 20 years

Under Jail Trust

2020–Present (5 yrs)

11.6
deaths/yr
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

Source: NonDoc

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 Investigation

Timeline: The Jail Trust Era

July 2020

Jail Trust Takes Over

Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority assumes control from county sheriff.

2020

4 Deaths

4 detainees die in the second half of the year under new Trust management.

2021

14 Deaths

Deaths spike to 14—more than triple the previous year. A deadly pattern emerges.

2022

Deadliest Year

16 deaths, the worst year on record. Mortality rate reaches crisis levels.

March 2023

Grand Jury Report

Special grand jury documents systemic failures and 'significant loss of life' at the jail.

October 2024

Turn Key Withdraws

Medical provider terminates contract citing 'chronic, severe' understaffing.

January 2025

First 2025 Death

Vincent Burke found unresponsive in cell, marking the first death of 2025.

January 2025

CEO Brandi Garner Resigns

Jail Trust CEO Brandi Garner announces resignation.

June 2025

Trust Self-Evaluation

Jail Trust votes to evaluate its own performance amid calls for dissolution.

Recent Incidents

This page is updated as new incidents occur. Evidence disappears quickly—contact us immediately if you believe you have a claim.

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.

policyDecember 15, 2025

New Jail Cost Balloons to $835 Million

Projected cost for new Oklahoma County Jail rises to $835 million—more than 3x the $260 million bond approved in 2022. County considering 2026 sales tax ballot measure to close funding gap.

leadershipSeptember 17, 2025

Interim CEO Resigns Amid Workplace Violence Threat

Interim CEO Paul Timmons resigns and COO Greg Couch terminated following an incident involving a threat of workplace violence. Tim Kimry named new interim jail administrator.

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.

NameDateSource
Jeremiah CoffeyJanuary 21, 2026Free Press OKC
Everett EdwardsJuly 3, 2025KFOR
Mario Latreal MasonMay 12, 2025NonDoc
Rachel NalleyApril 26, 2025The Oklahoman
Clinton PikeApril 25, 2025OKC Fox
Michelle YoungMarch 17, 2025KOCO
Vincent RiggieJanuary 18, 2025KOCO
Vincent BurkeJanuary 8, 2025KOCO
Steven WoodsDecember 11, 2024KOCO
Sandra CunninghamSeptember 15, 2024KOCO
Timothy Lee HardinJuly 29, 2024OKC Fox
Jeremy BirchfieldJune 2, 2024KOKH / OKC Fox
James Lynn JettonMay 28, 2024KOKH / OKC Fox
Jack AlexanderMarch 15, 2024KOCO
Derek StrotherFebruary 26, 2024NonDoc
Lashala Taulbee-PrattSeptember 21, 2023KOSU
Amber OwensApril 24, 2023Free Press OKC
Frank RamirezApril 23, 2023Free Press OKC
Courtenay DoyleApril 21, 2023Free Press OKC
Dina KirvenApril 8, 2023The Oklahoman
Kenneth ParrottFebruary 27, 2023Free Press OKC
Isiah MitchellJanuary 30, 2023Free Press OKC
Danny PaulinAugust 19, 2022OKC Fox
Robert Dale RichardsJuly 31, 2022NonDoc
Shawn SlavensJuly 11, 2022NonDoc
Corey McMichaelJuly 2, 2022NonDoc
Melvin LovelessJune 22, 2022NonDoc
Eddie GarciaMay 13, 2022NonDoc
Dustin RevasMarch 28, 2022NonDoc
Charles MooreMarch 11, 2022NonDoc
Kyle ShawFebruary 13, 2022NonDoc
Andrew AvelarFebruary 1, 2022NonDoc
Winfred LoweJanuary 15, 2022NonDoc
Austin BishopJanuary 10, 2022NonDoc
Gregory DavisAugust 13, 2021OKC Fox
Jimmy BedfordAugust 10, 2021The Frontier
Christa SullivanMay 15, 2021The Frontier
Roosevelt Larry KnoxAugust 19, 2020The Frontier
Clarence Steven MerrellAugust 14, 2020The Frontier
Chester Wayne Level Jr.July 22, 2020The Frontier
Tammy GermanJuly 6, 2020The Frontier
Desirae DentonJune 13, 2020The Frontier
Matthew MasonJune 13, 2020The Frontier
Jimmy KnightenJune 12, 2020The Frontier
Jay Patrick TaylorMay 26, 2020The Frontier
Joseph Wiley RhodesApril 27, 2020The Frontier
Dustin DabbsMarch 26, 2020The Frontier
Gary Nin AustinFebruary 20, 2020The Frontier
Michael Reagan Jr.January 13, 2020The Frontier
Michael GuthrieJanuary 3, 2020The Frontier
Lance SolomonJanuary 3, 2020The Frontier
LaWanda WardJanuary 1, 2020The Frontier
Ryan MeltonSeptember 27, 2019The Frontier
Dianne Annette JonesSeptember 23, 2019The Frontier
Tara Lynn GarciaMay 17, 2019The Frontier
John Leroy Daniel ApplegateMay 1, 2019The 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.

$3.0M

May 15, 2023

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.

$1.1M

September 1, 2022

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.

$75K

June 30, 2025

Kyle Shaw

Family of Kyle Shaw, who died of fentanyl overdose in February 2022, settles federal lawsuit. Court found "deliberate indifference" by jail staff to inmate safety and failure to prevent drug smuggling.

$55K

July 15, 2025

* 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.

Investigation

Oklahoma County Jail: Inside Oklahoma's Deadliest Detention Center

Our comprehensive investigation into the jail crisis, including legal analysis and family options.

Practice Area

Oklahoma Jail Death Claims

Everything families need to know about in-custody death litigation in Oklahoma.

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.

Get a Free Case Evaluation(405) 698-3125

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If you are facing a complex legal challenge, do not settle for average counsel. Contact Addison Law Firm today.

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