Widow of slain inmate sues state, prison officials

PORTLAND — The widow of slain prison inmate Michael Hagen has filed state and federal lawsuits seeking millions in damages.

The lawsuits filed Thursday on behalf of Tiffany Hagen say prison officials ignored her husband’s request for protection from a gang at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Eastern Oregon.

Hagen was found unconscious in his cell and died at a Boise hospital in February 2012. His cellmate was charged with aggravated murder.

The state lawsuit accuses the Oregon Department of Corrections of negligence for failing to monitor prison gangs and keep inmates safe.

The federal suit names former Corrections Director Max Williams, current Deputy Director Mitch Morrow and officials from the Snake River prison.

Corrections Department spokeswoman Betty Bernt said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.