
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994                   TAG: 9406020056
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MARTINSVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

RELATIVES SAY SUICIDE AT JAIL COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED

Relatives of a man who hanged himself this week in the Henry County Jail say he had tried suicide at least once before.

Kenneth Ray Garten Jr., 30, of Bassett used a bed sheet to hang himself from the bars of his cell Monday night, according to a Sheriff's Office news release. He was found hanging shortly after 7 p.m. and efforts to revive him failed.

Garten's estranged wife and father said Garten slashed his wrists five years ago with a knife he was carrying while in a sheriff's car.

Mary Ann Garten and Kenneth Garten Sr., both of Bassett, said police should have been aware of the previous suicide attempt and taken precautions Monday as a result.

Sheriff H. Frank Cassell said Tuesday that he was not aware of the 1989 suicide attempt prior to Garten's death.

Sheriff's Capt. Wayne Dodson on Wednesday confirmed Garten's prior attempt at suicide, which occurred when Garten was being taken to the hospital after hurting his knees in an accident.

Dodson added that Garten had been jailed 10 times since the 1989 incident and no longer was considered a risk.

Garten was arrested Monday on a petty larceny warrant from Roanoke County, Cassell said. Additional charges were filed when Garten was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and jewelry believed stolen, the sheriff said.

Garten's death was the second suicide at the jail in as many months. On April 9, Brian David Young, who was being held overnight on a charge of driving under the influence, hanged himself with his belt.

by CNB