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Abstract: 

Alleging a “failure to train” seems almost obligatory in cases involving a custodial suicide. Such an allegation may provide a basis for liability in a suicide case, but simply making the charge will not do it: there must be a causal link between the training inadequacy and the death by suicide. The Estate of Watson v. Cumberland Co., 2020 WL 104068 (D.N.J.), is an interesting example of an attack on training by representatives of the estate of Jon Watson who was a pretrial detainee admitted to the Cumberland County Jail. He went through a variety of mental health screenings, suicide observation, pepper spraying, and use of the restraint chair. Watson ultimately died by hanging himself and his estate’s lawsuit for damages is tossed out on defendants’ motion for summary judgment. Custodial suicide cases are especially fact driven. This article examines the significant facts in the Watson case.

Keywords: Estate of Watson v. Cumberland Co., 2020 WL 104068 (D.N.J.); Custodial Suicide; Failure to Train

Affiliations:  1: Executive Editor.