Case Of Stearns County Inmate Death Sent Back To Federal Judge

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - An appeals court panel has sent part of lawsuit stemming from the death of a Stearns County inmate back to federal court.

Twenty-two-year-old Jerome Deon Ladette Harrell surrendered in 2012 for having no proof of car insurance. He acted erratically in jail and died after an officer used a Taser on him when he bit another officer.

His family sued, claiming officers ignored Harrell's need for medical help and used excessive force.

The lawsuit was dismissed, but an appeals court panel found authorities responded inadequately to Harrell's medical needs. That portion of the case was revived Tuesday; excessive force claims remain dismissed.

A defense attorney says they'll likely seek a hearing before the full 8th Circuit. Harrell's family's lawyer questions why a black man's life isn't valued.