The family of Christian Black, a 25-year-old man from Zanesville who died after suffering injuries while in police custody, announced Tuesday that they have reached a $7 million settlement with Montgomery County. Black had been jailed after crashing an allegedly stolen car and attempting to flee. Black’s death in March this year was ruled a homicide by the county coroner. While the settlement resolves the civil lawsuit, the family is pressing officials to ensure steps are taken to prevent similar deaths in the future. In addition to the settlement with Montgomery County, Black’s family has filed a separate lawsuit against NaphCare, the jail’s healthcare provider, alleging medical negligence and wrongful death, among other claims, according to CNN. Michael Wright, the family’s lawyer, said Montgomery County has accepted responsibility and indicated plans to expand inpatient mental health facilities. However, Wright stressed that the family seeks further accountability. “We want to see more, such as jail officers charged and convicted in their son’s death,” he told reporters at a news conference. Black’s mother, Misty Black, said the settlement does not mark the end of her pursuit of justice. “This check doesn’t stop the criminal side,” she said. “It’s not going to make me go away. I’m here. Justice for Christian Black. I won’t stop until justice is served.” Video footage released by the family and their attorneys showed Black inside a cell, yelling and repeatedly hitting his fist and head against a glass door. The Montgomery County coroner ruled his death a homicide, likely caused by positional asphyxia, which occurs when the chest cannot expand properly, depriving the body of oxygen. No jail personnel have been criminally charged in connection with Black’s death.
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