By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A federal appeals court has ruled that five Montgomery County jail guards are not immune from a wrongful death lawsuit. The suit was filed on behalf of a 17-year-old inmate who died during a struggle with the officers. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta found that the officers did violate Mario Haggard's constitutional rights by using excessive force in restraining him. That means they do not qualify for immunity as state employees in the civil suit. The officers named in the suit are Silas Orum, James Thrift, Darryl Wood, Jeffery Sanderson and Clarence Wilson. The officers were cleared of criminal charges by a grand jury in 1999.