06/04/2026
The Estate of Michael Rowland resolved its wrongful death lawsuit against King County for $3.5 million.
While no amount of money can replace a husband, father, son, or friend, this resolution represents accountability for a tragic and preventable death.
Michael Rowland was a human being. He was a husband. He was a father. He was loved.
Michael struggled with mental health challenges and was unhoused at the time of his death. On the day in question, he entered a local hotel seeking food for himself and another unhoused individual. Police were called. When officers arrived, Michael was taken to the ground, handcuffed, and fitted with a spit mask.
He was then transported by ambulance to the King County Jail—an unusual circumstance in itself. Once inside the jail, officers conducted what is known as a compelled dress-out. During that process, multiple officers forced Michael into a prone position on his stomach while stripping away his clothing. The spit mask remained over his head.
Michael could not breathe.
He suffered blunt force trauma to his head.
After the dress-out was completed, officers left the cell. Within minutes, a guard returned and found Michael lifeless.
Michael deserved better.
He deserved compassion, care, and dignity during a mental health crisis. Instead, he died alone on the floor of a jail cell.
For those who knew Michael, he was more than the circumstances of his homelessness. Despite his struggles, he remained connected to the people who loved him. His wife and daughter continued to share holidays, meals, and precious moments with him. Their loss is immeasurable.
This case serves as a reminder that every person—regardless of housing status, mental health condition, or life circumstances—is entitled to basic human dignity and constitutional protections. Our communities must do better for those experiencing mental illness and homelessness. We must do better for people in custody who are entirely dependent on others for their safety and care.
James Bible Law Group and Attorney Jesse Valdez were honored to represent Michael's family in their pursuit of justice. We hope this resolution helps bring some measure of accountability and encourages meaningful change so that no other family has to endure a similar tragedy.
Michael Rowland mattered. His life mattered. And his death should never have happened.
⚖️ Accountability. Dignity. Justice. ⚖️
