Dee'Angelo Lamar Gathrite v. Infante, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of California screened a pro se prisoner’s 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint alleging deliberate indifference to a serious medical and mental-health need after he attempted suicide. The court found cognizable claims against Correctional Officer Infante and an unidentified Doe defendant, ordered electronic service on Infante, and directed the plaintiff to identify the Doe defendant. The order also established deadlines and procedures for dispositive motions, discovery, service, and prosecution of the case.

Holdings

1. The complaint states a cognizable Eighth Amendment claim against the defendants for allegedly failing to provide medical care and mental-health care after Plaintiff communicated an intent to commit suicide and attempted to do so.
2. The complaint was sufficient to proceed beyond preliminary screening because, liberally construed, its factual allegations plausibly stated claims for relief.
3. Service was ordered on Defendant Infante, but the court could not serve the unidentified Doe defendant; Plaintiff must eventually identify that defendant or face dismissal of the claims against that defendant.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the complaint stated cognizable claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violation of the Eighth Amendment based on failure to provide medical and mental-health care after an alleged suicide attempt.
2. Whether the action should proceed to service against Defendant Infante and an unidentified Doe defendant.

Disposition

other