Review of the Mental Health Treatment, Restraint & Death of William James Owens in the Oregon Correctional System

This report presents Disability Rights Oregon's (formerly known as Oregon Advocacy Center, or OAC) review of the April 29, 2002 death of William James Owens, a former Snake River Correctional Institute (SRCI) resident.  Mr. Owens was a forty-five year-old man with multiple disabilities, including a long history of serious mental illness.  He died on his seventieth day in disciplinary segregation.  The determination was made that Mr. Owens was not breathing after he had been extracted from his cell, which included being subjected to chemical and physical restraint.

OAC is an independent, private, nonprofit agency that protects and advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities.  Under federal and state law, OAC has the authority to investigate incidents of abuse and neglect of persons with mental disabilities.  Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act of 1991 (PAIMI Act), 42 U.S.C. section 10801 et seq.; ORS 179.505(16) and 192.517.

OAC’s inquiry into Mr. Owens’ death included reviewing:

• Mr. Owens’ medical records, including mental health records from SRCI.
• A videotape taken of the incidents surrounding Mr. Owens' death.
• Mr. Owens’ mental health records from Oregon State Penitentiary.
• Mr. Owens’ mental health records from Oregon State Hospital.
• Department of Corrections’ Administrative Rules regarding seclusion and restraint, mental health treatment and other applicable inmate care policies, procedures and directives.
• SRCI’s internal policies regarding seclusion and restraint, mental health treatment, Emergency Abatement form records and other applicable inmate care policies, procedures and directives.
• The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s autopsy and related documentary evidence.
• Department of Correction’s documents related to its internal investigations of Mr. Owens’ death.
• Staff of SRCI’s complaint to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration related to the events surrounding to Mr. Owens’ death.
• Oregon State Police’s investigative report.
• Telephone conversations with two of Mr. Owens’ siblings and of correspondence from a third sibling.
• Documents, including correspondence from inmates, provided by the Oregon Judicial Watch(1) organization.

(1) The Oregon Judicial Watch brought concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr.
Owens’ death to OAC’s attention.