Status of the re-review of Mr. Richard Lee Johnson's case based on Interim Independent Police Monitor, Aeiramique Glass report

Hello,

Recently, I've received emails referencing the report by Independent Monitor Glass' regarding the "in-custody death of Richard Lee Johnson".

Earlier this year in June I shared in an update that "...I strongly support an urgent review of the new information that has been presented and a careful review of the official cause and manner of Mr. Johnson's death."

Here's what I'm aware of thus far regarding Mr. Johnson's case.

You can find the note about Dr. Weedn on page 18 of 42 (Exhibit D) of the attached legistar file.

Purchasing

Dr. Victor Weedn assisted with an external investigation without an approved City contract, scope of work, or through following City of Madison purchasing processes, to complete investigative report OIPM 2025-0009. City Attorney Haas requested that the Independent Monitor provide a copy of any contract with Dr. Weedn on July 31, 2026 and on August 6, 2026 and that contract has not been provided to date.

Last week, Alder Figueroa Cole reached out to the Dane County Medical Examiner’s office for a status update in response to an email referencing Mr. Johnson's case.

Ald Figueroa Cole asked:

"Good morning Ms. Rogalska!

The email below implies that Ms. Glass reported that there was enough evidence to suggest that Mr. Johnson's cause of death was different from what was stated in the ME report.

What is the status of the re-review of the case based on Ms. Glass's report?

“Since the City of Madison was founded, there is no record of anyone on the city payroll finding an officer in the wrong for taking a life or for an in-custody death… until June 15, 2026 when Monitor Glass revealed Richard Johnson died from Cardiac Arrest/Metabolic Acidosis due to prone restraint. “

Thank you so much for your time,

Yannette"

Agnieszka Rogalska, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner replied:

"Good Morning Alder Figueroa Cole,

Thank you for your inquiry.

The DCMEO may review any case if new credible evidence which impacts the cause or manner of death becomes available.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office has submitted a public records request on June 18, 2026 to the Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) seeking the records, materials, and documents associated with the review referenced in the OIPM report. The request was acknowledged, but no materials have been received to date.

As there is no known new evidence in this case, there is no material to review.

Regards,

Agnieszka Rogalska, M.D.

Chief Medical Examiner"