Civil Trial Examines Allegations of Inmate Abuse at Pennsylvania Prison
A civil trial is underway in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, involving Kevin Coit, a former inmate at SCI Smithfield, who alleges that correction officers encouraged him to harm himself while he was suicidal. Testifying on Tuesday, Coit’s therapist, Julie Criste, recounted her evaluations of his mental health during his incarceration, claiming that Coit did not self-report suicidal thoughts around three separate dates in 2019. She maintained that there was no indication Coit was suicidal at those times, contradicting his claims.
Coit, who has a history of auditory hallucinations and was classified as at-risk for suicide, contends that officers instructed him to "cut deeper" as he inflicted superficial scratches on his arms with a staple. He is suing multiple correctional staff and former officials, asserting that their negligence violated his 8th Amendment rights, which safeguard against cruel and unusual punishment.
Criste’s therapy reports indicated Coit often presented as stable and denied any intent to harm himself, citing an August 9 report where he expressed boredom and a notion of waiting to "cut up" later. Following her testimony, Coit’s attorney argued the case highlighted a systemic failure within the corrections system to address the mental health needs of inmates.
The jury consists of eight members and will hear how the corrections staff claim they were unaware of Coit’s alleged suicidality, emphasizing that they would have taken immediate action had they suspected him to be a danger to himself. This trial is significant, as such civil cases from inmates rarely reach a jury, often being dismissed or settled. Legal proceedings continue as both sides present their arguments.
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