Entertainment Report
Video Released Showing Guards Beating Mentally Ill Inmate as Lawsuit Settles for $1.4 Million
Warning: The video above includes images and audio some viewers may find upsetting.
Video of jail guards punching and using a stun gun on a mentally ill inmate was released this week as a judge gave final approval to a $1.4 million settlement over alleged abuse at the northern California lockup, a newspaper reported Thursday.
The class-action settlement comes two years after abuse allegations at the Auburn Main Jail led to the firings of three officials and a revamp of how Placer County deputies use force against inmates, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Video of a 2017 cell extraction involving mentally ill inmate Beau Bangert showed four sheriff’s officials smashing him into a wall with a plastic body shield, then alternately punching and shocking him with a stun gun.
“We’re going to put you to sleep,” one says moments before six other jailers rush toward the cell to aid in restraining Bangert.
Minutes later, Bangert is wheeled back into the cell in a “safety chair” with a mesh bag — or “spit mask” — over his head. Officials remove the mask, then leave the limp Bangert staring face up from the chair with his face covered in blood.
The footage was released to the Bee by civil rights attorney Mark Merin after a lengthy fight to get that and other videos unsealed. It was one of the factors that led county officials to agree to a class-action settlement last year, the newspaper said
“They demonstrated total insensitivity and it was clearly an abusive gang attack on a defenseless individual,” Merin said. “And it showed absence of training and malevolence on the part of the deputies who participated.”
Placer County Sheriff Devon Bell did not respond immediately to a message seeking comment Thursday.
Bell, who had just been appointed sheriff, held a news conference to disclose the attack on May 31, 2017. He became emotional as he announced an internal investigation had revealed video evidence of excessive force and cover-up attempts.
Two deputies and a jail official were fired and faced charges of falsifying police reports and other counts, and Bell said jail operations would be revamped to ensure that no other abuse occurred.
The county had fought to keep the video from being released.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 1, 2019
Latest Instagram Posts
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃