Man with schizophrenia was left naked in jail cell for weeks before death, video shows

New surveillance video from inside an Indiana jail shows how a 29-year-old man who died in the summer of 2021 from dehydration and malnutrition was left naked in solitary confinement for three weeks with no medical attention.

Disturbing videos, some of which were reviewed by the Guardian, show McLemore as he was left in a small, windowless cell for 20 days straight in Jackson county jail in July and August of 2021. The cell had no bed or bathroom and had fluorescent lights on at all hours.

McLemore ultimately lost 45lbs during his stay, but never saw a doctor or mental health professional, the suit says.

State law requires people in solitary be allowed out of their cell at least one hour a day, barring safety concerns and records show that McLemore was also supposed to be observed every 15 minutes. State documents show inspectors also repeatedly deemed the facility non-compliant with a law mandating jails arrange for 24-hour emergency psychological care.