A Nevada coroner’s office determined that the death of an inmate, who was pepper-sprayed, shackled, and restrained face-down, was caused by prison guards.
An autopsy confirmed that 39-year-old Patrick Odale died at the Southern Desert Correctional Center on 28 December 2023, ruling it a homicide.
After a nearly nine-month investigation, the Clark County coroner’s office concluded that Odale died from “positional and mechanical asphyxia in the setting of law enforcement restraint.”
Tragic Death of Nevada Inmate: Autopsy Reveals Disturbing Details
A Startling Revelation
The death of Patrick Odale, a 39-year-old inmate at Southern Desert Correctional Center in Nevada, has been confirmed as a homicide, according to a newly released autopsy report. The… pic.twitter.com/JQ4MBm6FVZ
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Michael Freeman, a forensic pathology expert from Oregon not involved in the case, explained that “mechanical and positional asphyxia” typically occurs when someone is restrained face-down with their hands behind their back, and pressure is applied to their torso, arms, or neck.
The coroner’s report also noted Odale had low levels of methamphetamine and xylazine, an animal sedative, in his system, which contributed significantly to his death.
In January, the Nevada Department of Corrections announced Odale’s death but did not mention he had been restrained. The agency declined to comment further, citing an ongoing “active investigation.”
Details about the number of officers involved, any disciplinary actions taken, or how Odale accessed drugs remain unclear.
In May, a corrections officer was arrested for allegedly smuggling contraband, including cigarettes, lighters, cellphones, vape pens, tobacco, and liquid spice, into the facility.
Odale was serving up to two years for possessing a stolen credit card and attempting to carry a concealed weapon.
On the night of his death, officers reported Odale was “erratic and growling.” They pepper-sprayed him and placed him in a storage room with yard tools, where he started “thrashing.”
Officers then restrained him and took him to the infirmary. During the incident, medical and prison staff administered Narcan to Odale several times.
The coroner’s office reviewed video footage to determine the cause of death, noting a potential gap in the recording. The footage showed Odale groaning as he was taken to the infirmary, face-down with his hands shackled behind his back.
After a gap in the video, staff were seen performing CPR on Odale, who was unresponsive and face-up with his hands shackled in front.
Odale was pronounced dead shortly afterward. The medical examiner concluded that his death resulted from being restrained in a way that prevented breathing, compounded by recent drug use.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News reports on the death of a Nevada inmate, Patrick Odale, who was pepper-sprayed and restrained face down, leading to his death classified as homicide.(read more)
- Bastille Post reports on the death of Patrick Odale, a Nevada inmate who was pepper-sprayed and held face down, leading to his death due to positional and mechanical asphyxia, with evidence of drug use contributing to his demise.(read more)
- WFMJ reports that Patrick Odell, a Nevada inmate, died after being pepper-sprayed and held face down, with his death ruled a homicide due to personal or positional asphyxia and low levels of methamphetamine and an animal sedative in his system.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How did Patrick Odale die?
Patrick Odale died of positional and mechanical asphyxia due to law enforcement restraint.
What substances were found in Patrick Odale’s system?
Low levels of methamphetamine and xylazine were found in his system.
Did the Nevada Department of Corrections comment on Odale’s death?
No, they declined to comment as the matter is still an active investigation.
Was there any gap in the video footage of the incident?
Yes, the autopsy report indicates there could be a gap in the video footage.
What was Odale doing the night he died?
Officers reported Odale was ‘erratic and growling’ the night he died.