Debris litters the floor of a housing unit at the Tecumseh state prison in wake of the May 10th, 2015 riot.
A former prison inmate has taken the stand in his case against the state in which he claims he has suffered mental anguish in wake of deadly riots at the state prison in Tecumseh three years ago.
John Wizinsky testified on Monday he feared for his life when the riot broke out that left two inmates dead and millions of dollars of damage in its wake.
Wizinsky said he was especially fearful as some general population inmates entered the protective custody wing of the prison, some to settle scores with fellow inmates. Wizinsky said he pulled an inmate away from others who were beating him.
The lawsuit filed by Wizinsky accuses the state of negligence in failing to protect inmates in the 2015 riot. The state claims it followed protocol when the riot broke out. It places the blame on Wizinsky’s fellow inmates.
Wizinsky, who had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder prior to the Mother’s Day riot, claimed his symptoms have increased tenfold since that day. He also claimed the riots sparked nightmares and frequent panic attacks.
Testimony in the Lincoln courtroom is expected to last most of this week.