Payment Proposal for Family of Lansing Inmate Murder Victim in Kansas: $150,000 Offered

In a tragic turn of events, the family of Gary Raburn, a 62-year-old inmate, has filed a claim seeking damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and other losses. The claim, which was unanimously approved by the State Financial Council, alleges that the defendants - the Kansas Department of Corrections and Centurion, the private prison health care provider - failed in their duty to ensure the safety and well-being of Raburn and other inmates.

According to the claim, defendants assigned a violent inmate, Ladarious Barkers, to share a cell with Raburn, who was physically infirm and older by approximately 37 years. Barkers, who had a history of over 100 disciplinary actions between March 2017 and 2023, was charged with capital murder in 2023 and could face the death penalty if found guilty.

Court filings state that defendants knew or should have known of Barkers' violent propensities and failed to take reasonable steps to protect Raburn and other inmates, exposing them to an unreasonable risk of harm. The claim also alleges that the defendants' actions violated Raburn's constitutional rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and to receive adequate medical care.

The claim asserts that Raburn's injuries and death were directly and proximately caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of defendants. The offer of $150,000 from tort claims related to Rabun's death was made in a settlement of the claim, Raburn v. State of Kansas, but negotiations are still ongoing, and the family has not yet accepted the offer.

After being convicted of violating the terms of his probation, Raburn was remanded to the Lansing Correctional Facility, located several miles northwest of Kansas City. Raburn had previously pleaded guilty to an aggravated kidnapping charge in Neosho County, Kansas, but failed to register as an offender multiple times before being sent back to prison.

Reports suggest that the claim has been resolved, but most publicly-available media sources indicate otherwise. The Kansas Department of Administration provided a copy of the original, signed resolution offering up to $150,000 to The Topeka Capital-Journal. The article from The Kansas Reflector also states that the claim alleges negligence by the Kansas Department of Corrections and Centurion in failing to protect Raburn and other inmates from Barkers, who was assigned to share a cell with Raburn despite his violent history.

The family's claim seeks justice for Gary Raburn, a life cut short due to what they believe to be the negligence of the defendants. The saga continues as negotiations between the parties persist, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system and the importance of accountability in the care of inmates.

Payment Proposal for Family of Lansing Inmate Murder Victim in Kansas: $150,000 Offered