Death of Hardel Sherrell Beltrami Co. jail nurse charged with manslaughter

Nurse Michelle Rose Skroch has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminal neglect related to the death of Hardel Sherrell at Beltrami County Jail in 2018, where he suffered from a rare autoimmune disorder. According to a criminal complaint, Skroch neglected to provide necessary medical care, ignoring Sherrell's pleas for help as his condition rapidly worsened. Despite emergency room records detailing the severity of his illness and recommendations for further medical evaluation, Skroch did not conduct any physical assessments. Surveillance footage showed Sherrell in distress, with correctional officers noting his inability to perform basic tasks, yet Skroch allegedly claimed he was "faking" his illness. After her shift ended, Sherrell was discovered unresponsive, leading to his death later that day.

The incident has drawn significant attention, culminating in a $2. 6 million lawsuit settlement awarded to Sherrell's family against the county and jail's medical provider in 2023. This tragic case raises critical questions about healthcare standards in correctional settings and accountability for medical professionals. The ongoing calls for justice from Sherrell's mother underscore the emotional toll of this incident on the family and the community.