The attorney for the family of the inmate who was found dead in his Prince George's County jail cell says his clients are furious that further action hasn't been taken against corrections officers who have reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators.
Nineteen-year-old Ronnie White was found dead in his cell about 10:35 a.m. Sunday, June 29, about 36 hours after he had been booked on first-degree murder charges in the death of Prince George's County police Sergeant Richard Findley.
The medical examiner ruled White's death a homicide, saying there were signs he had been strangled.
Maryland State Police, assisted by the Justice Department, launched an investigation into White's death. But some corrections officers who were on duty at the time of White's death had refused to talk with investigators, prompting the head of the county's public safety department to issue an ultimatum: cooperate, or face the consequences.
Most of the corrections officers with whom investigators wanted to speak are now talking, law enforcement sources tell ABC 7 News reporter Brad Bell. But 'most' is not good enough for the family's attorney.
"As best we can tell, there are still very key individuals who have not been interviewed. And no, we are not satisfied with that," said Bobby G. Henry. “Has anyone been put on administrative leave? Has anyone been suspended? Absolutely not. Something is wrong with that process.”
On Monday, some residents also thought the county should take a tougher line against any recalcitrant guard.
"The prison officials, someone should have been suspended by now," said Largo resident Jennifer Acree.
But other community members say a thorough investigation of the facts is exactly what the case needs.
"As long it gets to the bottom of it, the ones that did it are charged, I think they should take their time and do a good investigation," said Largo resident Lillian Ashley.
On Tuesday, Henry also dismissed reports that White was not a victim of homicide, and may have taken his own life.
"That's nothing but rank speculation. That's all that is," said Henry. "Ronnie White was murdered in his jail cell."
Henry says White's body was released to his mother on Friday. She is still making funeral arrangements and is not planning to speak publicly about her son's death any time soon.
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