Family of inmate files wrongful death suit

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The family of a Fayette County Jail inmate who died while serving a 12-day sentence has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

According to records obtained by the Lexington Herald Leader, Jeffrey McKinney had epilepsy. On May 22, he bit his tongue during a seizure and spit blood on a jail nurse. Officers placed a hood on him.

When he struggled, he was handcuffed, shackled, pepper sprayed and given a shot for anxiety.

Moments later, McKinney stopped moving. Officers removed the hood to discover he had vomited and wasn't breathing.

An autopsy report showed McKinney died from asphyxiation when he choked on his vomit.

In September, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn ruled the death an accident.