Mom disappointed no one held responsible in son’s jail death

The mother of a Snohomish County man who died in jail last summer says she doesn’t understand why no one is being held responsible.

Rose Saffioti said her 22-year-old son Michael died after a severe allergic reaction, and jail staff refused his pleas for help.

The prosecutor’s office announced this week it will not file any criminal charges. Saffioti can’t believe it.

“We have clear evidence, from multiple statements, that Michael was trying to get help, and I know he didn’t get help in time,” she said. “That’s why he died.”

Saffioti is considering a civil lawsuit to get medical procedures changed at the jail. Her son was in jail on a marijuana possession charge. He was known to jail staff for having severe allergies. Other inmates called him “Bubble Boy.”

Saffioti said her son was supposed to be in the medical unit, but that’s not where he was housed.