HAMILTON TOWNSHIP -- An accused killer is suing the warden of the Monroe County jail because he doesn't like the food.
Rockne Newell has been there since 2013 when police say he opened fire at a Ross Township supervisors meeting, killing three people.
August 5, 2013 was a horrific night in Ross Township`s history.
The rural community in Monroe County was shocked when resident Rockne Newell allegedly stormed into the supervisor`s meeting and opened fire.
Three people, including a township supervisor, were killed.
Almost a year and a half later, the pain still lingers here in the community.
"I'm only like two years up here and it was just horrible, horrible. Matter of fact his house isn`t that far away. It`s hurtful. It`s a sin," said Pat Schuele of Ross Township.
"It`s a horrible thing he did. He deserves to spend his time in jail like any other criminal," said Bruce Anderson of Ross Township
Newell has been locked up in the Monroe County prison since that shooting. Charged with triple homicide.
Now he has filed a federal lawsuit against the warden of the prison, saying he is being subjected to cruel and unusual punishment due to the food he is being served.
For Ross Township residents, this suit is outrageous.
"It`s hurtful to me that he`s doing this. I think they should throw the key away," Schuele said.
"I`m sure he`s being treated the way all the other inmates are being treated, the prison`s been there a long time. There`s been lots of other inmates and there`s never been any other complaints," said June Clark of Ross Township.
Newell is claiming the high-starch foods in the standard meals are unhealthy for him. He says his requests for kosher meals have been ignored.
Newell is seeking a jury trial and monetary damages.
"He`s obviously not wrapped too tight to do what he did, so there`s your reason why his trying to sue while he`s in jail. Think about it that way. As far as I`m concerned, it`s just another waste of tax payer`s money," said Ron Roberts of Ross Township.
"The guy's obviously nuts. He`s a whack job. Actually I think it`s a waste of money to spend time on a civil lawsuit for this guy," Anderson said.
Rockne Newell has yet to go to trial for the triple homicide. Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty.
As for the lawsuit, calls to the warden of the Monroe County Prison and to Newell's attorneys were not returned.
