State: Lindenhurst Man's 2011 Death Was Preventable

A state report found the death of a Lindenhurst man in 2011 during a struggle with Suffolk County Police was "preventable" after he did not receive his medication.

According to Newsday, the New York State Commission of Correction said the death of Daniel McDonnell, 40, was preventable after he was shot repeatedly with a stun gun after yelling for his medication while being held in a jail cell. His cause of death was noted as "compressive asphyxia," also calling the death a homicide.

McDonnell was being held in his cell for a misdemeanor dispute with a neighbor on May 6, 2011.

The commission continued to state that the story given by officers and officials had inconsistencies and follow-ups by the medical examiner and prosecutors were improper.

County officials refused to comment on the investigation, as did Suffolk County Police. Suffolk County District Attorney Robert Clifford told Newsday the report was both inaccurate and baseless.

McDonnell's widow, Danielle, is suing the county in a wrongful death lawsuit at an estimated $50 million.

"I think that somebody should be held accountable. You need police. They keep people safe," she told Newsday. "But my view of the Suffolk County Police Department is one of disgust."