Traverse City News and Events

County Settles With Family Of Inmate Who Committed Suicide

By Beth Milligan | Oct. 10, 2019

Grand Traverse County has approved a settlement with the family of Marilyn Palmer, an inmate of Grand Traverse County Jail who committed suicide in her cell in February 2018.

The $20,000 settlement bestows approximately $3,000 to each of Palmer's three children, more than $6,600 to attorney Jessie Williams, and more than $4,300 to cover Palmer's funeral expenses. A press release from the Sheriff's Office Wednesday said the settlement was reached by county commissioners "solely for financial reasons," saying Palmer's death - while "difficult to deal with" - was not attributable to "any action or inaction of the Sheriff's Office."

According to the department, Palmer denied "thoughts of self-harm" 11 times during her 19-day stay at the jail. Her four medical health service requests "were addressed and all medications as prescribed were received by Palmer." The department states that "policies and procedures dictating medication delivery, hourly cell checks, and observations were followed."

"When Palmer was discovered unconscious in her cell, immediate attempts by several corrections officers were made in an attempt to save her life," the Sheriff's Office release continues. "However, they were unsuccessful."

The release concludes that the "very low settlement amount" approved by county commissioners is a "reflection of the minimal, if any, liability the county faced" in the case.

Comment

Hope Happens Here: Addiction Treatment Services At 50 Years

Read More >>

Something To Crow About: The Rooster To Debut In July

Read More >>

Memories Of Milliken’s: A Look Back At The Department Store That Built Front Street

Read More >>

A Few More Notices For Traverse City From National Media

Read More >>

Why Did This Week’s Run Of 90-Plus Degree Weather Cause So Much Trouble In Traverse City?

Read More >>

East Bay Township Considers TIF District

Read More >>

Zoning Atlas Unveiled for Grand Traverse County

Read More >>

Road Commission Eyes Beitner Bridge Replacement, River Parking Changes

Read More >>

DDA Pursues New Farmers Market Pavilion

Read More >>

Pedestrian Killed Trying to Cross US-31

Read More >>

Jody Lundquist Appointed To Fill NMC Board Vacancy

Read More >>

NMC Announces Candidates For Board Vacancy, Will Appoint New Trustee Monday Night

Read More >>

'Spreading Color and Happiness:' A Chat With The Painted Lady

Read More >>

What Comes After the Pines?

Read More >>