Charges filed for death of man in Westland Jail

A police officer and two paramedics are facing felony charges in the death of an Inkster man who suffered convulsions in jail but wasn't taken to a hospital.

William Marshall, who had been arrested for cocaine and marijuana possession, died from cocaine toxicity at the Westland police lock-up December 10, 2017.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a news conference Monday that Marshall was repeatedly denied help, despite convulsions that lasted off and on for about an hour-and-a-half.

She said Westland Police Sgt. Ronald Buckley insisted that the 35-year-old Marshall remain in the cell; and, while paramedics Matt Dicosola and Leah Maynard were present, they failed to help the dying man.

Worthy said, "Sgt. Buckly did not send Marshall to the hospital,and he left him in the jail without monitoring him."

"The two EMTs," Worthy added, "they denied him medical treatment and abandoned him in the jail after he requested medical assistance."

Buckley, Dicosola and Maynard are each charged with involuntary manslaughter - failury to perform a legal duty, a 15-year-felony; and misconduct in office, a 5-year felony.

Worthy noted that video is "crucial" to the case against the defendants whose alleged conduct, she said, "shows an inexcusable and criminal disregard for human life from those who have the duty to serve, protect, and render aid to those in need."

The prosecutor's office said arrangements are being made for the defendants to turn themselves to be arraigned.

Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik said that Buckley remains suspended pending an investigation, after which the department "will take the necessary discipline, up to and including termination of the officer." He offered his apologies to the Marshall family.