| William H. (Billy) Murphy Jr. to Join Henry & Associates in Filing Wrongful Death Action in Death of Ronnie L. White |
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| Prince George's County Archive | |||
| WI Staff | |||
| Thursday, July 02, 2009 | |||
 Attorney William H. (Billy) Murphy Jr. Courtesy PhotoWhite died of a broken neck and asphyxiation 34 hours after he was received in custody by the Prince George's County Correctional Center. Following an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medial Examiner for the State of Maryland ruled that White's death was a homicide. The suit, filed on behalf of White's mother, Angela L. White, states that Ronnie White’s death was “the direct result” of excessive force and gross negligence by County officials, and that his constitutional and civil rights were violated. The suit is seeking $153,600,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. “People are not supposed to die under mysterious circumstances in correctional facilities in America. Civil rights are real rights,” said Hassan Murphy, Managing Partner of The Murphy Firm. "The blatant disregard for Mr. White's civil and human rights by so many people in the system, who were supposed to enforce the law, is inhumane and illegal -- a travesty of justice. The defendants should recognize that we are determined to pursue accountability,” Murphy said. Bobby Henry, of Henry and Associates, has been the White family attorney since Ronnie L. White's death and said that the suit seeks justice and closure for the White family. “The brutal murder of Ronnie L. White was a terrible crime against a young man, his mother and family, and the entire Prince George's County community. Angela White's son was taken from her by thugs who are part of a corrupt, dysfunctional system which refuses to police its own,” Henry said. “If they won't do it or can't do it, Ms. White is determined to compel them to do it so this never happens to another young man and family.” “My life has not been an easy one, but make no mistake this has been the loneliest, cruelest year of my life,” Angela White said. “My son was brutally murdered by someone or by people who were sworn to protect him. No parent or family should have to go through this torment and torture. Hopefully now, with the help of attorney Murphy and attorney Henry and community supporters and leaders, justice will be done.” Suit Summary Allegations: The suit alleges that correctional officers at the Prince Georges County Correctional Center attacked and strangled White in his jail cell, resulting in his death. It also alleges that Prince George's County officials, including the Director of the Correctional Center, were grossly negligent by failing:
In addition, the suit claims that Mr. White's constitutional and civil rights were violated and that he was falsely arrested and imprisoned. Demands: The suit demands that a jury award judgment against Defendants Prince George's County, Prince George's County Police Department, Prince George's County Correctional Center, Mary Lou McDonough (Interim Director of the Prince George's County Correctional Center), Anthony McIntosh, Russell Hardesty, and Ramon Davis of the Prince George's County Correctional Center, and Thomas K. Lancaster. The suit also demands $51,200,000 in compensatory damages, plus judgment interest, attorney's fees, and expenses associated with it and not less than $102,400,000 in punitive damages.
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