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Family files wrongful death claim for woman who died in Snohomish County Jail

Published  January 20, 2016 7:34am PST
Associated Press

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — The family of a mentally ill woman who died in the Snohomish County Jail in 2014 has filed a $5 million claim against the county.

The Daily Herald reports 62-year-old Marilyn Mowan reportedly committed suicide in the jail by drinking a lethal amount of water. The family's claim filed Tuesday alleges that jail staff knew Mowan's risk for self-harm failed to protect her.

The claim says Mowan suffered from a psychiatric disorder that caused her to drink too much water.

She had been booked into the jail after allegedly slapping a nurse at an Everett triage center.

The medical examiner's office ruled that the disorder and heart disease were factors in the woman's death.

Snohomish County attorneys say they are still reviewing the claim and could not comment.