A Delaware family's lawsuit is moving forward against two state Department of Corrections officials in an inmate's suicide.
The lawsuit was filed against former Delaware Department of Correction Commissioner Stan Taylor and former warden Raphael Williams.
It was filed in 2006 by the wife and children of Christopher Barkes, who committed suicide at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in November 2004.
The News Journal reports that the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 decision on Sept. 5 that the Barkes family can sue the former corrections officials.
The Barkes family's attorney says his clients are pleased the case is moving forward after so many years.
The Delaware Attorney General's Office, which represented the DOC officials, says they're reviewing their options and declined to comment.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION: If you know someone who needs help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
