Pearce v. Tucker

The Court of Appeals' decision reversing the denial of summary judgment to a police officer in a wrongful death suit arising from a detainee's suicide in his holding cell was correct under the right-for-any-reason rule.

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This matter arises out of a wrongful death suit filed by Tammy Pearce Appellant, individually and as administrator of the estate of her husband, Christopher Pearce Pearce, against Glynn County Police Officer Henry Tucker after Pearce committed suicide while in custody. The trial court denied Officer Tucker’s motion for summary judgment; the Court of Appeals reversed the judgment of the trial court, concluding that there was insufficient evidence that any negligent act by Officer Tucker proximately caused Pearce’s death, and this Court subsequently granted certiorari to review that decision. We now hold as a threshold matter that Officer Tucker is entitled to qualified immunity, and we therefore need not address the merits of Appellant’s negligence claim. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeals under our right-for-any-reason rule.

On the day of his suicide, Pearce – who suffered from major depressive disorder – arrived unexpectedly at his pastor’s house carrying a pistol in his hand; the pastor and his wife summoned help while Pearce remained outside. Officers Henry Tucker and William Tomlinson, Jr., arrived at the residence and observed Pearce with a gun tucked in his waistband. Pearce, a convicted felon, was subsequently handcuffed, relieved of the firearm, and placed in a patrol car. Officer Tucker transported Pearce to the Glynn County Police Department headquarters. Once at the headquarters, Pearce was placed in a holding cell with a monitored video feed. Pursuant to police department policy, Officer Tucker had Pearce remove his shoes, belt, tie, and the contents of his pockets. Approximately 15-20 minutes after being placed in the holding cell, Pearce ended his life by hanging himself with his socks.

Pearce v. Tucker

The Court of Appeals' decision reversing the denial of summary judgment to a police officer in a wrongful death suit arising from a detainee's suicide in his holding cell was correct under the right-for-any-reason rule.

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