Husband files claim in jail death

A wrongful death claim filed against Snohomish County seeks more than $10 million for a 2003 jailhouse death.

Diane Stults suffered “an inhumane and undignified death” when she died in jail custody, said her husband, Earl Stults, who filed the claim.

Diane Stults, 45, was booked in connection with burglary charges on Feb. 9, 2003, and warned jail officials that she had recently used heroin and was an addict, according to the claim.

She began experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and wasn’t properly treated for dehydration after excessive vomiting and diarrhea, according to the claim.

Instead, she was moved to another cell, the claim says. At 9:45 p.m. Feb. 11, she was found lying dead on her mattress in the jail’s dayroom.

An autopsy showed her death was caused by dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities because of vomiting caused by probable drug withdrawal.

At the time, Earl Stults said his wife had Lyme disease and stomach problems. He filed the claim just before the three-year anniversary of her death. Besides her husband, Diane Stults was survived by a son, daughter and grandson.

For the loss of love, affection and companionship, the claim asks $10 million. Funeral expenses add $5,000, and loss of income to the estate seeks $250,000.

Because the Stults estate is seeking money, a claim first must be filed against the county before a lawsuit can be filed in Superior Court.

Earl Stults could not be reached for this story.

The claim is being analyzed by the county, said Tad Seder, assistant chief civil deputy prosecutor. Options include paying it, denying it or seeking more information, he said. The decision to deny the claim rests with county prosecuting attorney Janice Ellis.

A decision to pay the claim or make a settlement offer would involve County Executive Aaron Reardon and possibly the County Council, depending on the amount.

“No decision has been made at this point,” Seder said. “Our job is to protect the taxpayers’ money, and this is a $10 million-plus claim.”

A decision is expected within the next month or so, Seder said.

Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.

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