Man dies in suspected homicide at Carson City prison
Jonathan Adam Brancheau, 28, was found dead the morning of Sept. 6 in a two-person cell at the Carson City Correctional Facility in Montcalm County.
Michigan State Police Sixth District troopers said prison staff attempted lifesaving measures, but Brancheau was pronounced dead at the scene.
The agency is investigating the death as a suspected homicide and has identified Brancheau’s 26-year-old cellmate as a suspect. The investigation remained ongoing as of Sept. 8.
Can a suspected homicide lead to a Michigan wrongful death case?
Yes. A criminal prosecution and a civil wrongful death lawsuit are separate proceedings. Michigan’s wrongful death statute allows the estate’s personal representative to file a civil case when a wrongful act, neglect or fault causes a death and the deceased person could have brought a claim if death had not occurred. The law applies even when the circumstances also constitute a felony and allows recovery of certain expenses and family losses when they are proven.
Classifying a death as a suspected homicide does not by itself establish civil liability. The available claims, defendants, defenses and damages depend on the evidence and the law governing the alleged conduct.
Deadlines can vary with the underlying claim, defendant and date a personal representative is appointed. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines explains why the specific dates must be reviewed before a family relies on a general filing period.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates reviews wrongful death and serious civil rights matters across Michigan.
Families with questions about a death in custody can contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether a possible civil matter falls within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center’s guide to Michigan wrongful death deadlines provides more information about estate authority and time-limit issues.