The Death Of Lashano Gilbert

Lashano J. Gilbert was a 31 year old medical graduate from The Bahamas whose death in New London, Connecticut, in October 2014 became a deeply troubling case involving police, medical treatment, and questions surrounding the use of force during a mental health crisis.

Gilbert had traveled to Connecticut to visit family. On October 2, 2014, he arrived in New London to stay with his aunt. The following day, however, his behavior became increasingly concerning, eventually leading to a confrontation with police.

According to court records, Gilbert approached a vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light and entered through the driver’s window. Witnesses reported that he appeared confused and was behaving erratically. Police were called to the scene, and officers attempted to restrain him. A stun gun was used during the confrontation.

Gilbert was taken to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Reports described him as being in an extremely disturbed state. Medical records indicated that he was experiencing symptoms that included an elevated heart rate, fever, and high blood pressure. His behavior was described as confused and unusual, and there were concerns that he was experiencing a serious psychological or medical crisis.

After receiving treatment, Gilbert was returned to police custody. The situation later became more serious inside the police station. According to police accounts, Gilbert attempted to use his clothing as a noose and later became involved in another struggle with officers. Officers again used a stun gun while attempting to restrain him.

Gilbert eventually became unresponsive. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. Lashano Gilbert died on October 4, 2014. He was only 31 years old.

Gilbert’s death received attention in The Bahamas because of his background. He had grown up in The Bahamas and had studied medicine in Cuba. His family was devastated by his death, and his mother, Donna Smith, traveled to Connecticut following the tragedy.

The medical examiner later ruled Gilbert’s death a homicide. The determination referred to the circumstances surrounding the physical struggle, restraint, electrical shock, and pepper spray used during the confrontation. The medical examiner also noted that Gilbert was experiencing acute psychosis and had a sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.

The homicide classification did not automatically mean that the police officers involved had committed a crime. After investigating the incident, the New London State’s Attorney concluded that the officers’ use of force was justified under the circumstances. Prosecutors stated that the officers were attempting to prevent Gilbert from hurting himself, hurting others, or escaping.

Despite that conclusion, Gilbert’s family continued to seek answers through the legal system. Civil rights advocates also expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death, particularly the use of a stun gun during what appeared to be a severe crisis.

Years after Gilbert’s death, his family continued pursuing legal claims related to what happened. Court proceedings examined allegations involving the police response and medical treatment.

Lashano Gilbert’s story is ultimately about much more than the circumstances of his final moments. He was a son, a family member, and a young man who had pursued an education in medicine. At only 31 years old, he had much of his life ahead of him.

His death continues to raise difficult questions about how police officers and medical professionals respond when someone is experiencing an extreme psychological or medical crisis. It also demonstrates how quickly a crisis can escalate when a person is confused, frightened, or unable to control their actions.

Remembering Lashano Gilbert means remembering the person behind the headlines. His life was more than the circumstances surrounding his death. He was a man who had dreams, family, an education, and a future that ended far too soon.