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

Accidentally strangled trying to escape cuffs in Phoenix holding cell

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 27, 2008 5:14 AM CDT
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(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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Phoenix officials reject claim, blame husband for death
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)

Autopsy finds death was accidental
New York Times

Prominent Gotbaum family question police handling of case
New York Times

US

 
rehab • Arizona • police • strangulation • alcohol abuse • Phoenix • airport • accidental death • Carol Gotbaum

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