Martha L. Saunders, Administratrix of the Estate of Claude Saunders v. State of Rhode Island

BOWNES, Circuit Judge.

The factual and procedural history giving rise to this appeal is as follows. On November 2, 1974, while incarcerated in the maximum security facility of the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), Claude E. Saunders was murdered by several inmates. According to the record, the culpable prisoners evaded detection by the guards on duty and stationed themselves outside of Saunders’ cell, and when the cells were opened for the evening recreation period stabbed him to death. Saunders had not requested protective custody. Plaintiff-appellant Martha L. Saunders brought a 42…