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State of Michigan settles lawsuit over inmate's death for $860,000

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A judge has ordered the Michigan Department of Corrections to pay $860,000 in a lawsuit settlement involving an inmate's suicide.

The state of Michigan has agreed to pay $860,000 to settle a lawsuit over the death of a prisoner who killed herself.

Janika Edmond killed herself in 2015 at an Ann Arbor-area women's prison.

The lawsuit says prison staff members failed to respond properly to a threat of suicide after Edmond yelled for a suicide prevention vest.

Dianna Callahan of Flint was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter.

She was accused of saying, "somebody owes me lunch," after Edmond asked for the vest.

Edmond's two adult siblings will receive nearly $550,000 dollars after fees and attorney costs are paid, according to the Ann Arbor News.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
Lauren Talley is Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition producer. She produces and edits studio interviews and feature stories, and helps manage the “Mornings in Michigan” series. Lauren also serves as the lead substitute host for Morning Edition.
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