Family of Jaron Thomas Seeks Answers In his Death

The Family of Jaron Thomas is seeking answers after his death on January 23, 2017. Jaron was a 36-year-old who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with hallucinations, but was a devoted father of three. On January 14, 2017, Jaron called for help after hearing voices and feeling paranoid, as he had done several times before. He ended up in the hospital, spending a week on life support. He fought for his life but passed away on January 23, 2017. 

Due to his struggles with schizophrenia, Jaron had been informed by mental health professionals to call whenever he needed help. He did so at 11:44pm on January 14, 2017. On the 911 call obtained by the family, Jaron calmly explained to the dispatcher that he was hearing voices and felt like he would be shot. He also made it clear that he was unarmed and was seeking a medic. He admitted to using cocaine, and stated that his heart was racing and he would never do so again. He repeatedly stated that he was hearing voices and needed an ambulance to respond to the scene. 

Several Columbus Police Officers responded to the scene. Jaron was hospitalized with severe brain damage, head contusions, a blood clot near his sternum, at least one broken rib, and other injuries. The family of Jaron Thomas seeks answers as to what happened to Jaron on the night he called for help. So far they have received no response from the Columbus Police Department as to why Jaron suffered the aforementioned injuries, although the family filed a formal complaint with the Internal Affairs Bureau of the Columbus Police Department on January 15, 2017. 

On January 20, 2017, the Columbus Police Department released a preliminary investigative report that stated that Jaron suffered an accidental overdose. It states that officers responded to the scene, and makes no mention of any altercation with Jaron. The report simply reads that “officers arrived on scene and advised medics to come in.”

The family of Jaron Thomas has retained Attorneys Sean L. Walton and Chanda L. Brown of Walton + Brown, LLP. as well as Attorney John Marshall of Marshall & Morrow, LLC. to assist in finding answers. The family asks any individuals with information about what may have happened that night to come forward and contact them. The family also asks that the Columbus Police Department conduct their investigation into this matter in a timely fashion. While aware that investigations are to be completed within 90 days of being filed, the family asks for answers from the Columbus Police Department as soon as reasonably possible. 

CONTACT

Walton + Brown, LLP. 

395 E. Broad St. Suite 200

Columbus, OH 43215

614-636-3476 (Office)

614-636-3453 (Fax)

media@waltonbrownlaw.com