Individuals who are placed on suicide watch are closely monitored in a suicide-proof cell and a staff member must conduct observation “no less than 15-minute irregular intervals.”
and just try to have fun,” Wallenfang said. “I knew she needed a lot of attention. So, I would take her out of those spots where she was, where she would get explosive.”
Thyrion had planned to move back with her mother in Green Bay once she was released from jail, hoping to be with her family, continue her education and restart her life by finding proper treatment for her mental health.
But that never happened.
Series of in-custody deaths trigger audit
Upon entry to the Milwaukee County Jail, individuals undergo medical and mental health screening, which includes a series of questions that assess their risk for suicide, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office’s custody manual.
Individuals who are placed on suicide watch are closely monitored in a suicide-proof cell and a staff member must conduct observation “no less than 15-minute irregular intervals.” A qualified healthcare professional must observe the individual at least once per day.
Someone who is deemed as actively suicidal must be monitored continuously by direct observation by a correctional officer. They shall not be permitted to have any item that can be fashioned into an implement for hanging, razors or other sharp objects or any object that could be used to self-harm.
Just a few months before her death, Milwaukee County was already looking into suicide prevention protocols at the jail. Their investigation was sparked by the death of 21-year-old Brieon Green in June of last year.
Green was arrested June 26 at Bradford Beach on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and carrying a concealed weapon – a handgun – and three counts of felony bail jumping. Four hours later, authorities reported that he had died by apparent suicide after he had been placed in a holding cell during booking.
Green’s family demanded answers. The county’s investigation left more questions.
It turned out that only twenty-eight minutes after Green was booked into the jail on June 26 he died by suicide by strangling himself with a phone cord despite a jail officer walking past the cell as Green was taking his life, the family’s attorney B’Ivory LaMarr said.
LaMarr alleges that the jail had knowledge of Green’s history of mental illness, including suicidal ideation during previous stays at the jail, and had failed to follow the suicide prevention protocols and operating procedures.
Files and interviews released after the investigation into Green’s death note that during Green’s medical screening during the intake process, he was uncooperative with staff. When asked if he was suicidal, he replied “No and no to all your questions.”
During the initial triage process, “the intake nurse did not have access to Green’s classification and placement history” at the jail, according to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisolm’s redacted letter alerting Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball of the findings of the investigation.
In January, Chisolm determined there was “no basis” for criminal liability in Green’s jail death.
LaMarr later responded, “We have long maintained that the tragic death of Brieon Green was completely preventable and is the direct result of negligence and a failure to maintain the constitutional protections Brieon should have been apprised of.”
Now, LaMarr is representing Hirte and Thyrion’s family. He told the Journal Sentinel that Thyrion “tragically dying from the consumption of a diaper is not only utterly disturbing, but reckless.”
“Cilivea was not known to have any medical issues that would warrant being provided a diaper, and our external investigation leads us to call into question the morality of certain staff members retained by the County,” he said. “While the County Jail is intended to be a place to ensure safety for the good of society, it has instead become a place of danger and a final resting place, especially to some individuals who suffer from mental illness.”
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