Bourbon Co. woman sues 30 people, 4 agencies after husband’s death by suicide

PARIS, Ky. (WKYT) - Samantha Thompson, whose husband, Ryan Shrout, died by suicide in July, filed a lawsuit Thursday against 30 people and four agencies. She is asking a jury to hold law enforcement responsible.

The filing includes 717 pages of complaint and discovery.

What the lawsuit claims

Thompson spoke with WKYT shortly after her husband’s death. She said Shrout was threatening to kill himself and that officers told her to get a court order.

She had a judge sign an order for involuntary hospitalization. The order told law enforcement to take Shrout to Eastern State Hospital. The suit says officers never carried out the order.

The suit claims the Bourbon County Attorney advised officers that they could not or should not enter the home. It also claims the fiscal court failed to give officers enough resources.

What Thompson is seeking

Thompson is asking for a jury trial, wrongful death damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees and expenses. The suit does not list a dollar amount.

Responses and next steps

WKYT contacted the Bourbon County Sheriff, the Paris police chief, the Bourbon County Attorney, and Kentucky State Police.

The sheriff’s office manager said the sheriff has nothing to say at this time. Paris Police Chief Mark Burden had not yet read the full lawsuit when WKYT spoke with him.

Thompson’s attorney said that once the defendants are served, they have 20 days to answer the complaint. They have 45 days to answer the written questions attached to the discovery.