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July 25, 2008 11:22:21 AM CDT

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Family Sues for $8M in NY Mom's Airport Death

Posted Mar 27, 08 5:14 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – The family of a New York woman who died in a holding cell at a Phoenix airport is suing the police department and city for $8 million, CNN reports. Carol Gotbaum became agitated after missing a flight last September and cops put her alone in a cell where she accidentally strangled herself as she tried to escape her handcuffs. Gotbaum, the stepdaughter-in-law of a New York City official, had been traveling alone to Tucson to enter an alcohol rehabilitation center.

The lawsuit on behalf of her husband and three young children accuses police of using unreasonable force and treating Gotbaum like "a dangerous criminal, rather than as a sick, intoxicated and vulnerable person." It notes that Gotbaum "had no weapon and never threatened anyone." Police reports say she resisted arrest, and Phoenix officials said officers acted properly and responsibly in restraining her. Gotbaum's death has been ruled accidental.

Source CNN

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    Arrest of Woman Who Died in Custody Caught on Tape Phoenix police yesterday released airport surveillance footage of a woman clearly distraught and resisting arrest shortly before her death in a security holding cell. The silent video shows Carol Gotbaum doubled over and apparently screaming as passengers stare. She struggles with police called to the scene and locks her legs when they take her into custody.  More »

Noah Gotbaum and his children Ella, 7, Tobias, 3, and Nathaniel, 5, right, leave a memorial service for his wife and the children's mother Carol Gotbaum, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in New York.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
This undated family photo provided by the Office of the Public Advocate for the City of New York shows Carol Anne Gotbaum, who died in a holding cell at a Phoenix airport.   (AP Photo/Office of the Public Advocate for the City of New York)
Noah Gotbaum and his children Ella, 7, Tobias, 3, and Nathaniel, 5, right, leave a memorial service for his wife and the children's mother Carol Gotbaum, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in New York.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
A casket is carried out after a memorial service for Carol Gotbaum, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
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police  • Arizona  • airport  • rehab  • alcohol abuse  • accidental death  • Phoenix  • strangulation  • Carol Gotbaum


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