Rebecca Mansfield, the wife of Johnathan Mansfield, claims that her husband’s death was the result of officers using stun guns on him more than 40 times, causing cardiac arrest. The lawsuit names former Madison County Jailer Steve Tussey, corrections officers James Hollins and Mikael Burns, and members of Madison County EMS, accusing them of wrongful death, gross negligence, negligent training, and battery.
The Arrest and Alleged Abuse
Johnathan Mansfield was arrested on September 27, 2024, for public intoxication. According to the lawsuit, Mansfield was restrained by officers James Hollins and Mikael Burns, who tased him multiple times with both probe and drive stun tasers. It is alleged that the officers used the electric taser glove on him another 27 times before placing him in an isolation cell.
The lawsuit further details a disturbing sequence of events, including claims that officers “pounced on top of him with a shield” while he was lying down in his cell and restrained him in a full-body WRAP device, which is similar to a straitjacket. In addition, a spit mask was allegedly placed over Mansfield’s head, further limiting his ability to breathe.
Delayed Medical Attention and Tragic Outcome
Despite Mansfield becoming unresponsive, the lawsuit asserts that Madison County EMS failed to evaluate him medically until approximately nine minutes after he showed signs of distress, including blood stains around his face. He was not given timely medical attention, which may have contributed to the severity of his condition.
Mansfield was taken to UK Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for 12 days before succumbing to his injuries on October 10, 2024. An internal investigation by the Madison County Police Department, along with a physician’s report from UK Hospital, concluded that the excessive use of force, particularly the stun guns, led to Mansfield suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.
Disciplinary History and Accountability
The lawsuit points to the history of excessive force use by Officer James Hollins, who had been previously disciplined by the Madison County Detention Center. After the internal investigation into Mansfield’s death, Hollins was fired from his position. The current Madison County Jailer, Larry Brock, declined to comment on the matter, citing that the incident occurred before he assumed office earlier this year.
The Mansfield Family Seeks Justice
Rebecca Mansfield’s lawsuit seeks justice for the wrongful death of her husband. She is calling for accountability for the officers involved, as well as for better training and procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The case raises critical concerns about the use of force and the responsibility of law enforcement to provide adequate medical care to those in their custody.
How Police Brutality Center Can Assist You
If you or someone you know has experienced a wrongful death due to excessive force or negligent actions by law enforcement or corrections officers, it’s crucial to seek legal help. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process, fight for justice, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Our team specializes in cases involving wrongful death and excessive force. Don’t wait, contact Police Brutality Center today.