Kamiak’s Roe, Glacier Peak girls win state titles C1
11.08.2015
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Everett, Wash.
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Executive decisions
WHAT JAIL CAN’T CURE
Somers says his priority is problemsolving, not politics By Noah Haglund Herald Writer
IAN TERRY / THE HERALD
Tiffany Ferrians holds a portrait of her son, Keaton Farris, at her home on Lopez Island on Thursday.
Failing Keaton Farris Young man desperately needed medication and compassion; instead, he died alone in a cell
EVERETT — As a new leader prepares take the helm of Snohomish County government, he’ll be facing some of the same old problems. County Councilman Dave Somers won the county executive’s job in Tuesday’s election with a pledge to seek solutions. Incumbent John Lovick conceded Wednesday. The executive-elect’s first challenge even before changing jobs is drafting next year’s budget. Then he’ll turn his attention to what to do about replacing the county courthouse. Beyond that, he wants to focus on planning for a surge of population growth and convincing Sound Transit to connect light rail to Paine Field and north Everett. As he takes on those goals, Somers will have to smooth over See SOMERS, Page A12
SOCIAL BREW
WHAT JAIL CAN’T CURE | The series
By Diana Hefley Herald Writer
C PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FARRIS FAMILY
Farris played football at Coupeville High School his sophomore and junior years. He graduated from Lopez High School in 2008.
OUPEVILLE — Keaton Farris was 7 miles from home and he was dying. He was alone and naked, dehydrated and starving, locked up in the Island County Jail for forging a $355 check. Keaton, 25, had attended Coupeville High School, less than a mile from the jail. He played football and basketball and ran track. His dad, Fred, is a mailman in the small town. Keaton returned home last year to rest and find his footing after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His parents believe he was in the throes of a manic episode before he died on April 7. Keaton was behind bars for 18 days, shuffled among three other jails before he was sent to Island County. The Coupeville jail didn’t get his medical records. He didn’t arrive with any medication even though he had a new prescription in his pocket when he was arrested. Fred Farris and Tiffany Ferrians weren’t allowed to see or talk to their son. They frequently called to check on him and told corrections officers he was bipolar and needed his medication. The Island County Jail chief later claimed his staff didn’t know Keaton was mentally ill. The chief’s statements and details about Keaton’s incarceration are part of the 700-page report compiled by Island County’s veteran detective Ed Wallace. His investigation found that corrections officers documented how Keaton refused water and meals.
Today: Keaton Farris, 25, was in a mental health crisis when he died from dehydration and starvation inside the Island County Jail. His death illustrates why more must be done to protect people living with mental illness from winding up in jails. Day 2 Monday: Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary is championing changes in how the county uses the jail. It’s a challenge to balance the needs of business owners and neighbors with those living on the margins. Day 3 Tuesday: Gene Martin, 60, is working his way back after being homeless for years; he says innovative programs and compassion helped him get there.
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E3 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . .D6 Dear Abby. . . . . . . . . . . . . .D6 Horoscope . . . . . . . . . . . . .D6 Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D5 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . .B4 Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9
Boisterous 50/42, C10
VOL. 115, NO. 269 © 2015 THE DAILY HERALD CO. SUNDAY
See KEATON, Page A8
MONDAY: Sheriff Ty Trenary is trying to change course.
Coffee with a conscience and more great sips in the county. Good Life, D1, D3, D8
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