Montgomery Co. Jails To Remove Bed Sheets After Inmate Deaths

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Two recent suicides completed in Montgomery County jails have led to a push for reform that now includes removing bed sheets from the cells of inmates.

Montgomery County Media reported the news Thursday, citing corrections department director Robert Green, who told the news outlet, “We are looking at what our options are. It doesn’t mean we’re blaming [the sheets], but we know that’s an option.”

Tyler Tessier, a man facing trial for the death of Wilde Lake teacher Laura Wallen, was found dead in his cell on the morning that opening arguments were expected to begin for the trial. Authorities later said he hanged himself with a bed sheet.

A few months before Tessier's death, Thierry Kinshala Nkusu used a bed sheet to hang himself in a Montgomery County jail, Montgomery County Media reported. Knusu had just been sentenced to life without parole in the stabbing death of his pregnant fiancé.

Green told the news outlet that inmates will still have issued uniforms and will be given blankets but not sheets.

>>> Read the full report on Montgomery County Media

RELATED:

• Murder Trial For Tyler Tessier Postponed: Report
• Who Is Tyler Tessier? 9 Things To Know In Columbia Teacher's Murder
• Tyler Tessier Admits He Shot Pregnant Girlfriend Laura Wallen
• 1,000 People Attend Funeral For Laura Wallen
• Slain Teacher Inspires Proposed Change To Maryland Law
• Pregnant Teacher Love Triangle Death: Boyfriend Engaged To Another Woman

Help for Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433), and its website offers services including a live chat.
Also find resources available around Maryland to help those who are in crisis.

Image via Montgomery County Media