Attorneys for former Governor Jack Markel have asked that a judge to postpone a hearing on the federal lawsuit filed by the family of slain correctional officer Steven Floyd.
They had been scheduled to argue for dismissal in the case that resulted from the 18-hour standoff at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in February.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that attorneys representing Floyd’s family and other employees filed suit claiming that the safety of the prison officials was put in jeopardy as a result of an effort by the Delaware Department of Correction to save money.
The lawsuit said the financial shortage – particularly under Markell's watch -- led to an increase in violence at Vaughn, including the assault of at least 25 prison workers in the fall of 2016.
