Son’s N.H. jail death prompts father’s suit

NEWINGTON, N.H. – A Newington man is suing the Strafford County Department of Corrections, alleging his son died in the jail because of negligence.

Michael Hehir was found dead in a protective custody cell a year ago. Authorities ruled the death a suicide.

Hehir had been at the jail seven months and was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to being involved in two robberies at Bank of America in Lewiston, Maine.

Daniel Hehir’s lawsuit alleges the jail did not take reasonable steps to prevent the death, and said it was clear his son would try to kill himself or that others would try to kill him. The father also argues the jail did not have proper medical equipment.

The father said his son was going to reveal information about illegal drugs coming into the jail.