April 03, 2009 08:29 am
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WILLIAMSPORT -- A 29-year-old Snyder County Jail inmate did not commit suicide two years ago but was murdered by other inmates or guards, his parents allege in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday.
Jeffrey A. Dock, of Beavertown, and his former wife, Linda L. Long, of Middleburg, claim in a wrongful death and negligence complaint filed in U.S. Middle District Court that their son, Jeremy W. Dock, of Beaver Springs, was killed because it was believed he was cooperating with an investigation into alleged "prolific drug traffic" in the jail.
The suit further contends Selinsgrove state police trooper Rick Blair intentionally did not investigate the April 17, 2007, death classified as suicide by hanging with a bed sheet.
The suit claims Dock, who was in protective custody in the segregation area, had been struck in the back of the head and eye, suffered a cut mouth and tongue plus bruises to his face, neck, arm and hands. Outside his cell door was a pool of blood, the complaint claims.
The parents claim they have information attributed to Warden Ruth Rush that there were no guards on duty in that area at the time.
The suit alleges Dock was severely beaten just before he died and only guards or prison officials had access to his cell. It also charges Rush, Deputy Warden Donald Reade and watch commander Donald Campbell failed in their duty to keep Dock safe. They and Snyder County, also a defendant, never explained when asked what guards were assigned to the solitary confinement area and where they were when Dock died, the complaint states.
The only claim against Blair is the allegation he failed to investigate the death despite evidence it was not a suicide.
Snyder County solicitor Thomas C. Clark said Thursday night he knew very little about the case.
"I know, at the time, there were issues and it was investigated."
Man held on parole violation
He deferred further comment to former solicitor Bob Kravitz, who was not able to be reached for comment.
Malcolm Derk, a Snyder County commissioner and member of the prison board, said that as of Thursday, he did not know of any lawsuit filed against the county.
Snyder County Coroner Bruce Hummel was not available for comment.
Dock was being held on a parole violation. Rush said at the time of Dock's death that an investigation by state police was under way.
A father of three who had been jailed nine times in the past nine years on burglary, driving under the influence, contempt and corruption of minors charges, Dock was never considered a suicide risk and was taking no medications, Rush said in April 2007.
"He talked to an officer about 20 minutes prior (to his death) and asked if his visits were reinstated," Rush had said. "He gave no indication" he was suicidal.
Dock had been incarcerated at the jail in September 2006 on a parole violation for burglary.
His former attorney, chief public defender John Reed, said in April 2007 Dock was charged in October 2006 with conspiracy in connection with drug smuggling in the jail while he served time at the facility.
He was moved from the Snyder County Jail to the Union County Jail in November 2006 "for separation purposes," Rush said.
After being held in Union County for more than four months, Dock was returned to the Snyder County Jail four days before his death.
The suit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
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Photos
Jeremy W. Dock