An inmate at a prison near Las Vegas was killed by his cellmate after repeatedly asking to change cells due to safety concerns, according to a lawsuit filed by his family. Mitchell Harris, 70, died from blunt force injuries to the head and neck, ruled a homicide by the coroner’s office. His family expressed sadness over his violent death, with his sister sharing memories of him.
Harris was serving a life sentence for murdering his ex-wife in 1989. While in prison, he developed a close bond with his granddaughter, who fondly remembers their time together playing Scrabble and visiting him. Despite his past, his family believes that he did not deserve to die in such a brutal manner.
The lawsuit claims that prison staff ignored Harris’ requests to change cells despite the dangerous situation. The cellmate who killed him had a history of violence and mental health issues, raising questions about the adequacy of care and supervision provided by the Nevada Department of Corrections. The family seeks systemic changes within the prison system to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Aura Harris, Mitchell’s granddaughter, expressed disappointment in the prison system’s failure to protect her grandfather and the lack of accountability for his death. She highlighted the need for transparency and justice for inmates who suffer harm while in custody. The family’s attorney emphasized the importance of seeking justice for all inmates who have died due to negligence or misconduct.
Despite their grief, Mitchell Harris’ loved ones are determined to advocate for reform within the Nevada Department of Corrections. They hope that by sharing their story, they can prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. As they navigate the legal process, they are reminded of Mitchell’s sense of humor and resilience, finding solace in cherished memories of him.
