Justice Served: $7M Settlement Reached in Santa Rita Jail Inmate’s Death In a case that highlights the critical importance of proper care and attention for incarcerated individuals, a $7 million settlement has been reached in the tragic death of Maurice Monk at Santa Rita Jail. Monk’s daughter and son will receive the compensation from Alameda County, according to their family’s lawyer. The disturbing circumstances surrounding Monk’s death underscore the need for improved protocols and monitoring in correctional facilities. Maurice Monk was found unresponsive in his cell on November 15, 2021, at Santa Rita Jail. Shockingly, he may have been dead for at least 72 hours before his discovery, as revealed by Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Monk had been arrested in October 2021 after an altercation on an AC Transit bus regarding mask-wearing. He was incarcerated because he missed a court appearance after being denied entry at the door, as stated in the lawsuit. According to the attorneys representing the Monk family, bodycam footage from jail deputies depicted a harrowing scene. Monk was found lying face-down on his bunk, partially unclothed, above a pool of urine and bodily fluids. Despite his distressing state, various deputies dismissed his condition, referring to it as “Monk being Monk.” They even claimed that the fluids were spilled milk or asserted that they had observed him move a single toe. The attorneys’ statement vividly portrays the neglect and indifference that Monk endured in his final days. In addition to the lawsuit against Alameda County, Monk’s family has filed a separate suit against Wellpath, the medical provider serving Alameda County jails. The family’s attorney revealed that prior to his incarceration, Monk had his diabetes and schizoaffective disorder medically controlled. These pre-existing conditions make the circumstances surrounding his death even more tragic and raise serious concerns about the medical care provided within the correctional system. District Attorney Pamela Price emphasized that Monk’s mental illness should never have been treated as a crime or a death sentence. It is a reminder that mental health issues should be approached with compassion and appropriate medical care, even within the confines of a correctional facility. As part of the settlement, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office will be required to implement changes in how it monitors and responds to the well-being of prisoners during observation checks. This mandate reflects the urgent need for enhanced protocols to ensure the safety and welfare of inmates. While no amount of money can bring back Maurice Monk or fully compensate for the loss suffered by his family, this settlement signifies a step towards justice. It is our hope that this case serves as a catalyst for meaningful change in the correctional system, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, receive the care and attention they deserve.