Judge tosses wrongful death case

District Judge Michael Griffin ruled against relatives of Houston Hite, who hanged himself in a jail cell after his October 1995 arrest for an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl.

Hite's mother and wife accused Carson City, sheriff's deputies and two jail trustees of not taking enough action to prevent the suicide.

The family's attorney, Jeffrey Dickerson, said an appeal is possible.

Deputy District Attorney Mark Forsberg said the ruling shows Hite was handled properly by sheriff's deputies.

"Of course, we're pleased because we think it vindicates our position we've taken from the beginning," said Forsberg.

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