Death by Bureaucracy

For John, BLUF:  I wonder if there was some "not my responsibility" thinking in the system.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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It is The [Manchester] Guardian, so it is Progressive sensationalism, but Reporter Jon Swaine gives us Young black man jailed since April for alleged $5 theft found dead in cell.  The sub-headline is "Jamycheal Mitchell, 24, had been held in Virginia jail without bail for nearly four months, accused of stealing a Mountain Dew, Snickers bar and a Zebra Cake."  Turns out there was no bed available in the local mental health facility.

A young black man arrested by police in Portsmouth, Virginia, on the same day that one of the city’s officers fatally shot an unarmed black 18-year-old, has been found dead in jail after spending almost four months behind bars without bail for stealing groceries worth $5.

Jamycheal Mitchell, who had mental health problems, was discovered lying on the floor of his cell by guards early last Wednesday, according to authorities. While his body is still awaiting an autopsy, senior prison officials said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

This should not pass for justice no matter the findings of the autopsy.

Per a comment in Professor Althouse's post, "It sounds like Mr. Mitchell died of bureaucracy."

Too right.  The laws and the process needs to be improved.

Hat tip to Ann Althouse.

Regards  —  Cliff