A county in western Arkansas and a healthcare provider have agreed to pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit with the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr., who died in 2021 due to dehydration and malnutrition while being held in a local jail. The settlement reflects accountability for the conditions that led to Price’s death and aims to spur changes in jail healthcare standards.
Settlement Reached Over Detainee’s Death
Sebastian County and Turn Key Health Clinics LLC each agreed to pay $3 million to the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr. as part of a settlement over his death while in custody. Price, who had a history of mental illness, had been held in solitary confinement for over a year, awaiting trial on a charge of terroristic threatening. The lawsuit, filed by Price’s family, alleged that the jail and its healthcare provider neglected Price as his health deteriorated.
“The size of this settlement reflects the magnitude of the atrocity that occurred,” said Erik Heipt, the attorney representing Price’s family. “We hope this historic result sends a powerful message to every jail and prison in America that this type of blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated.”
Neglect Leading to Death
According to the lawsuit, Price’s weight dropped from 185 pounds (84 kilograms) to 90 pounds (41 kilograms) as he ate and drank less over time, with jail staff failing to intervene. Jail officials had discontinued his mental health medications when he refused to take them and did not follow up to address his deteriorating mental health. Price died from severe dehydration and malnutrition.
Healthcare Provider’s Response
Turn Key Health Clinics LLC, which provided medical care at the Sebastian County Detention Center, acknowledged the settlement and confirmed that it provided medical services and limited psychiatric care at the time of Price’s death. However, it did not offer counseling or acute mental health services.
“After Mr. Price’s death, Turn Key and Sebastian County agreed that having separate providers for mental health counseling and medical services was not in the best interests of detainees,” said Turn Key spokesperson Kenna Griffin. “Now, Turn Key provides all medical, mental health counseling, and psychiatric services at the jail.”
Family’s Call for Justice and Reform
Rodney Price, Larry Price’s brother, expressed both relief and sorrow following the settlement. He emphasized the need for systemic change in how jails handle individuals with mental health issues.
“While no amount of money can bring my brother back, this victory will help give our family some closure as we move forward,” Rodney Price said. “We hope and pray that this case will lead to changes in how our jails treat people in their custody and save lives in the future.”
