The estate of Lester Isbill has reached a settlement in its federal civil lawsuit against Turnkey Health Clinics, LLC, and other defendants following his death in custody. Isbill, a retired pastor, died after being confined for more than nine hours in a restraint chair with a spit mask over his head at the Monroe County Justice Center.

Arrested in February 2025 for disorderly conduct in Madisonville, Isbill was placed in the restraint chair without food or water, leading to severe dehydration. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead at a hospital. While his death was initially classified as natural, an amended autopsy by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center ruled it a homicide in August 2025 due to complications from dehydration and prolonged physical restraint.

The criminal investigation resulted in the indictments of seven individuals, including two nurses and five sheriff’s deputies. Three of the involved deputies were subsequently fired, and two resigned.

In February 2026, Isbill’s estate filed the federal lawsuit against the City of Madisonville, arresting officers, and the healthcare contractor, alleging gross negligence and seeking damages. According to a mediation report signed on August 20, the parties finalized a settlement agreement, though financial terms were not publicly disclosed.