GREENE COUNTY, Ark. — A federal civil rights lawsuit filed Thursday alleges that neglect of medical care at the Greene County Detention Center led to the death of 18-year-old Atiyana Willis, who passed away Sept. 22 following a medical emergency while awaiting trial.
The suit, brought by Victor Britt and Kimberly Britt as co-special administrators of Willis’ estate, names Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder in both his individual and official capacities alongside 10 unidentified jail personnel. It accuses the defendants of ignoring Willis’ evident medical distress and failing to provide appropriate care that could have prevented her death.
Represented by attorney Luther Sutter, the plaintiffs claim Willis exhibited noticeable symptoms of distress, which were communicated to jail staff through direct observations and repeated requests for help. Despite these warnings, the lawsuit alleges, jail personnel failed to arrange for medical evaluations, contact emergency services, or otherwise respond to her deteriorating condition.
“The Does responsible for Willis’s custody failed to respond appropriately as her condition deteriorated, including by failing to call EMS,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about the qualifications of the jail’s medical staff, alleging that licensed practical nurses (LPNs) were improperly tasked with duties requiring a registered nurse (RN). “Had a Registered Nurse been employed, Willis would not have died,” the complaint asserts. Sheriff Snyder is accused of not addressing the issue or hiring an RN.
In addition to claims about the denial of medical care, the lawsuit points to alleged deficiencies in staff training, supervision, and policy enforcement, stating these failures contributed to Willis’ death. It references two earlier deaths at the Greene County Jail—Garrett Lee Evers in 2019 and Marshall Price in 2022—as evidence that county officials were aware of unresolved issues related to medical care. Both incidents were cited in lawsuits that predated Snyder's tenure, which began in January 2023.
The lawsuit seeks damages for alleged constitutional violations involving denial of medical care and issues in jail policy and practice. No monetary amount is specified, but the plaintiffs are requesting compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The case, filed in federal court under number 3:26-cv-00276-DPM, names the unidentified defendants as jail employees or supervisors whose identities and actions will be uncovered during the discovery process.
The filing occurred one day after Snyder announced the firing of nine jail employees based on his preliminary review of Willis’ death. In comments to NEA Report before the lawsuit’s filing, Snyder admitted staff failures and described the situation as “unacceptable.” The sheriff clarified that none of the dismissed employees were medical personnel and stated that the jail’s medical provider, Turn Key, was not implicated in Willis’ death to his knowledge. Turn Key is not named in the lawsuit.
Snyder told NEA Report on Wednesday that he had reviewed video footage and documentation related to the case and ordered immediate retraining for all jail personnel. He also noted that the Arkansas State Police are conducting an independent investigation, and an autopsy report is still pending.
In a late statement provided to NEA Report, attorney Luther Sutter said, “People with disabilities deserve at least equal treatment. They don’t deserve to be warehoused in a jail where they die. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to stop this from happening to people with disabilities.”
Sheriff Snyder was unavailable for further comment on Thursday, according to NEA Report.