The estate of Love During Lockup star Justin Johnson is suing the Pennsylvania prison officials responsible for overseeing him before his death by suicide, alleging correctional officers failed to properly monitor him.
Justin’s grandmother, Paulette J. Spackman, who serves as the administrator of his estate, filed the lawsuit against the superintendent and several correctional officers at SCI Houtzdale.
According to court documents, prison officials were required to visually check on inmates at regular intervals. However, Spackman alleges that on the night Justin died, officers left him unattended for approximately 90 minutes while a covering blocked his cell window.
The lawsuit claims Justin was not discovered by a correctional officer. Instead, his cellmate allegedly returned to their shared cell and found him hanging from the ceiling. Spackman claims his body was already cold to the touch when he was found.
The filing also points to Justin’s documented history of mental health and substance abuse issues, arguing that prison officials should have taken appropriate precautions while overseeing his well-being.
Spackman is suing the prison officials for supervisory liability, failure to train and supervise, deliberate indifference, and wrongful death.
Justin’s death occurred just months after his season on weTV’s hit show aired. He was 35 years old.
