Oregonlive recently reported on the recent tragic death of a 49-year-old woman who died last week while in custody at Northeast Portland’s Inverness Jail. This tragedy is sending renewed shockwaves through Multnomah County. The woman was booked on Monday on misdemeanor charges, including interfering with an officer, unlawful possession of heroin, trespassing, and providing false information to police. By Thursday morning, she was found unresponsive in her cell. Despite efforts from deputies and corrections health staff, Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman's death marks the second in-custody fatality in Multnomah County this year. This is a troubling continuation of a pattern that has plagued the Multnomah County Jail for years. Following a staggering ten inmate deaths in 2022 and 2023, many advocates had hoped recent reforms would improve conditions. While fatalities declined to one in 2024, the woman’s death signals that underlying issues remain unresolved.

These deaths point to a jail system under profound strain due to reduced staffing and limited resources. The departure of the medical director of the county department overseeing inmate health after just 19 months further underscores the instability and challenges in providing adequate care to incarcerated individuals.

At Ross Law PDX, cases like this exemplify the urgent need for accountability and reform within the criminal justice system. Jeremiah Ross has been a steadfast advocate for individuals and families impacted by governmental negligence, civil rights violations, and misconduct.

For families impacted by in-custody deaths or other violations of civil rights, Ross Law PDX provide not only legal representation but a powerful voice for justice.

If you or someone you know has experienced civil rights violations while in custody, contact Ross Law PDX at 503.224.1658 to learn about your legal options.