Little Rock, Ark. — Sebastian County in western Arkansas and Turn Key Health Clinics LLC have reached a $6 million settlement with the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr., who died from dehydration and malnutrition while in the county jail. Each party will pay $3 million to the family, as confirmed by attorney Erik Heipt.
Price, 51, passed away after being held in solitary confinement for over a year while awaiting trial. He suffered from serious mental illness, and his weight dropped significantly during his time in jail. The lawsuit accused the jail and Turn Key of neglecting Price’s needs, including providing inadequate medical and mental health care.
The settlement aims to bring closure to the family and highlight the importance of addressing issues within the criminal justice system. Rodney Price, Larry’s brother, called for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The case underscores the need for improving conditions in jails and ensuring the well-being of all inmates, especially those with mental health concerns. The hope is that this settlement will spark positive changes in the treatment of individuals in custody to prevent future tragedies like Price’s untimely death.