Grand Jury Finds No Wrongdoing in Flood Death

A Garden County grand jury has determined there was no criminal actions connected to the September death of a Sidney woman, Candy Flood, while she was in the custody at the Garden County Jail.

At approximately 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol were notified that Flood, 37, had died at the Garden County Jail, while she was being housed there on behalf of Cheyenne County. NSP investigated the death and in November turned its findings over to the Garden County Attorney’s office.

Under state law, deaths in custody must go before a grand jury, which then hears testimony and examines evidence presented in connection with the case.

According to the Grand Jury Report, the principal duty of the grand jury investigation was to determine the cause of Flood’s death, and to ascertain whether probable cause exists to believe that a crime or crimes were committed in connection with the death, and to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that any detention personnel or law enforcement individual or individuals committed any crimes.

Through the course of its investigation, the Grand Jury met in closed session on January 30, hearing testimony from nine witnesses and reviewing 122 exhibits. The exhibits included, in part, investigative reports, autopsy and toxicology reports, photographs, policies and standards, and surveillance video and audio of witness interviews.

After a review of the evidence and testimony, the Grand Jury determined:

1) Flood’s death was caused naturally by heart attack and hypertension.

2) EMTs and paramedics demonstrated professionalism and compassion. It also found that the surveillance system operating during the incident provided a clear record of events. The Garden County Sheriff’s Office thoroughly documented the events related to the incident.

3) The Grand Jury, as such, returns “A NO TRUE BILL” and asks the court to dismiss it from conducting any further investigation into Flood’s death.

A No True Bill means the Grand Jury did not find enough evidence to charge anyone with violating a law.

In addition to the finding in regard to the death, the Grand Jury made three recommendations to Garden County, associated with reviewing costs of housing prisoners, record keeping, and documenting distribution of medication to prisoners.