MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The family of Gershun Freeman, the man who died in custody at the Shelby County Jail in October, is now suing Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Chief Jailer Kirk Fields and the government of Shelby County.
In the wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff, Gershun's spouse Nicole Freeman, claims that Shelby County, Sheriff Bonner and Chief Jailer Fields violated the Civil Rights Act of 1871, 42 U.S.C & 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
A compiled video of the altercation showing Gershun being beaten and restrained by multiple correctional officers was released March 2.
The last minutes of the video show Gershun being restrained naked by multiple officers while handcuffed, lying facedown on the jail floor. One officer is seen kneeling on his back for about four minutes until his body goes limp.
The lawsuit alleges that Gershun was "bathed" in chemical irritant, and that he was kicked and beaten with objects like mace cans, handcuffs, and heavy jailer key rings repeatedly.
According to plaintiff Nicole, Sheriff Bonner's and Chief Jailer Fields' alleged "derelict" leadership, well as the county's "practices" for Gershun's death.
The lawsuit provides an alleged step-by-step account of the incident.
It also gives history of the Shelby County jail. The lawsuit says the history of the jail is "relevant", claiming that the county is aware of "policies, customs, and practices likely to deprive inmates of their constitutional rights."
To read the lawsuit, click here.
After the 13 minute compiled video was released in March, Shelby County Sheriff Bonner released this statement:
"According to the Medical Examiner, Mr. Gershun Freeman suffered from psychosis and cardiovascular disease and died of a heart attack while being restrained. It is unfortunate that parts of the video are being shown out of context because the full video does show the erratic and violent behavior that led to the need to restrain Mr. Freeman.
These corrections officers deserve a fair review of this case, and I will wait for additional information from the TBI and the investigating D.A. before taking further administrative action. This is still an open and active investigation."
Sheriff Bonner has not specified how parts of the released compiled video were shown out of context.