In a harrowing case that underscores the dire consequences of neglect in correctional facilities, Pamela Littrell has filed a complaint against the Winnebago County Sheriff and several other defendants, alleging gross misconduct and negligence that led to the death of her son, Christian Littrell. The complaint was filed on August 6, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division.
According to the lawsuit, Christian Littrell died on August 9, 2022, while detained at the Winnebago County Jail (WCJ). He was reportedly suffering from acute opioid withdrawal symptoms that were ignored by jail staff. The complaint names Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana, Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, and several medical and correctional staff members as defendants. It alleges that despite being aware of Christian's deteriorating condition—documented in his medical records—the defendants failed to provide necessary medical treatment or refer him to an emergency department.
Christian Littrell had been prescribed Suboxone for his opioid use disorder (OUD), a chronic relapsing brain disease. Upon arrival at WCJ on August 7, he reported his prescription to Nurse Amy Hall. Despite this disclosure and subsequent observations by other nursing staff indicating severe withdrawal symptoms such as persistent vomiting and inability to eat or drink, no meaningful action was taken. The complaint details how nurses Brooke Mechling, Valerie Kidd, Ryan Vandenbusch, Caroline Z., and correctional officer Michael Marchini neglected their duties by failing to ensure Christian received appropriate care. Instead of being treated or monitored adequately, Christian was left alone in his cell where he eventually died.
The plaintiff argues that this neglect constitutes violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for cruel and unusual punishment and failure to protect; violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act for discrimination based on disability; wrongful death under Illinois law; and other related state-law claims. The suit seeks compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by Christian before his death, punitive damages against individual defendants for their willful misconduct, attorneys' fees, costs associated with bringing the suit, declaratory relief affirming the rights violated under federal law, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Pamela Littrell are attorneys Sarah Grady and Amelia Caramadre from Kaplan & Grady LLC. The case is presided over by Judge [Name], with Case ID: 3:24-cv-50332.