Sheriff: Vernon Hills’ woman’s hunger strike death ‘a tragedy’

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Lyvita Gomes, 52, of Vernon Hills who starved herself to death while in custody at the Lake County Jail.

Updated: February 6, 2012 3:33PM

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Friday released the most detailed timeline yet concerning the Vernon Hills woman who went on a hunger strike and died after being in the county jail under medical watch.

At the same time, officials announced a review of jail policies to prevent another death similar to what happened to Lyvita Gomes, 52. Gomes died Jan 3 at Vista East Medical Center, Waukegan.

“We recognize Ms. Gomes death is a tragedy; a tragedy felt in equal measure by everyone who had contact with her during her incarceration,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office said.

“All policies concerning self-starvation cases are being reviewed in an attempt to ensure that we are doing everything humanly possible to prevent an outcome such as this,” the statement said.

The release went on to say that the Sheriff’s Office attempted contact with Gomes’ family, corresponded with a family friend, met with religious and community activist groups, and responded to every media request for information.

The following is a time line released by the Sheriff’s Office, which noted Gomes dropped 18 pounds between Dec. 14 and Dec. 28.

10/12/2011: Gomes was taken into custody by Deputy Dennis Dunn on a contempt order issued by Lake County Judge Fred Foreman for failing to respond to jury duty. Gomes was charged with one count of resisting arrest during the encounter. Booking officers placed Gomes on suicide watch due to her making suicidal statements during the booking process.

10/13/2011: Gomes was seen by the Medical Unit for a medical intake screening, which noted only that she had an elevated blood pressure, without history of hypertension. During the screening she did not express any suicidal thoughts to medical staff.

10/14/2011: Gomes is assessed by medical staff for suicidal risk. Medical staff found her no longer at risk. Deportation proceedings are initiated as her visa had expired.

12/05/2011: Gomes fails to appear for her court date and a failure to appear warrant is issued by Judge Joseph Waldeck. Bond on the warrant is set at $20,000.

12/14/2011: Gomes is taken into custody at her home by the Vernon Hills Police Department on the failure to appear warrant. Medical intake notes that she is acting in a strange manner in that instead of answering questions she is asking them. She questions the medical staff qualifications and appears paranoid and unaware of reason for her arrest. A routine referral to Mental Health is made.

12/15/2011: Gomes appears in front of Judge Raymond Collins for a bond hearing. Her bond is reduced to $5,000. A social worker is advised Gomes has not been eating. Gomes repeatedly insists to be released and denies any suicidal intentions. A plan to monitor and refer to medical if Gomes does not eat for 72 hours is implemented.

12/17/2011: She is moved to Medical POD Unit to observe and to validate hunger strike.

12/18/2011: Hunger strike protocol is initiated after it is determined Gomes has not eaten for 72 hours. Vital signs are taken and are all within normal limits. Weight is at 146 pounds and a doctor is notified of the hunger strike. Verbal orders given by doctor to provide Gomes with additional juices and meal trays, and to encourage hydration and nutrition.

12/19/2011: Gomes appears in front of Judge Helen Rozenberg for status of attorney. The Public Defender’s Office is appointed to represent her. The next day she again appears in front of Rozenberg and a mental fitness evaluation is ordered and scheduled for Jan. 5.

12/22/2011: Examined by Dr. Rozel Elazegui and Gomes is alert and oriented to person, place and time and is medically stable. Dr. Elazequi reinforces nutritional need to survive and offers alternative food choices from the jail kitchen. Gomes indicates she would prefer her own food from the outside.

12/23/2011: Lab and EKG reports are ordered. Nursing assessment leads to call to physician over concerns for her vital signs and 10-pound weight loss. Doctor orders blood work and EKG to be performed, but she refuses. Doctor orders to have her medically assessed every four hours and he orders a daily multi-vitamin which. Gomes refuses.

12/24/2011: Examined by psychiatrist, but she is uncooperative with psychological examination. Diagnosis is psychotic disorder, but no psychotropic medications are ordered because she is unwilling to discuss treatment options.

12/27/2011: Examined by Dr. Rozel Elazegui and she is alert and oriented, non-toxic in appearance and is in no acute distress. The doctor offers to go outside of the jail to get Gomes food, but she does not respond. She is deemed medically stable. Examined by psychiatrist who encourages her to eat and submit to EKG and blood work. He then notes Gomes is mentally incapable to participate in her treatment plan. Public defender visits her at urging of Sheriff’s Office.

12/28/2011: Gomes is weighed and she is 128 pounds, a loss of 18 pounds since incarceration.

12/29/2011: Examined by Dr. Young Kim who orders Gomes to be taken to Vista East Medical Center, Waukegan.