Mother of Decatur man who died in custody files lawsuit

DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - A mother has filed a lawsuit following the death of her son.

John Scott Jr. died while in custody after being arrested earlier this year.

Police arrested Scott Jr. during a mental health crisis in April.

Surveillance video from the Morgan County Jail shows law enforcement officers dragging Scott through the facility to the holding cell.

Scott later fell into a coma and died days later.

Now, Scott’s mother is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Decatur, as well as the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, multiple officers, and the city of Priceville.

The lawsuit claims officers used excessive force on Scott, including punching, kicking, and even tasing him. It also claims his civil rights were violated.

Lee Merritt, the attorney over Scott’s estate, said some policies and procedures were not followed.

“He was literally [dragged] by his feet across a wet floor, into a cell where he was left to suffocate on, asphyxiate on his own vomit, and ultimately suffered the injuries that led to his death,” said Merritt.

Adding, if Scott had received medical care sooner, he would have had a better chance at surviving this ordeal. Merritt says one officer hit Scott so often that he injured himself.

“We see the abuse that took place during that altercation. One officer broke his hand on LJ Scott’s face. The only injury sustained by punching him repeatedly with what they call distractionary strikes,” said Merritt.

The full lawsuit can be read below:

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