More than 250 people in black shirts, many holding signs, quietly marched through Coupeville today to the Island County Jail, where they held hands and formed a human chain encircling the facility.

Coupeville resident Fred Farris led the procession of mourners who gathered to protest the death of his son, 25-year-old Keaton Farris. The young man was suffering from mental health issues and died in jail from dehydration April 8.

The protest was spurred by a detective’s report on the tragedy, which was released this week. It described how the jailers’ failure to follow basic policies led to the tragedy.

The signs held by the protesters summed up their outrage and grief.

“He died thirsty.” “Never again.” “Abolish solitary.” “No killer cops in our community.”

“Serve and protect. Not arrest and neglect.”

The protesters called on Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who’s ultimately responsible for the jail, to resign. They urged the prosecutor to charge everyone who failed in their responsibilities.

Fred Farris said the jail should be shut down and he’s worried about the well-being of every inmate.

“This was for everyone,” he said of the protest. “It’s not just about me and it’s not just about Keaton.”

“This is just the first step,” he added.

Many people traveled all the way from Lopez Island, where Keaton Farris spent most of his life, and were joined by his many friends from Coupeville, where he went to high school for two years.

Tanissa Lavigne and her two brothers were among those who traveled from Lopez Island. She said Keaton Farris was her first friend when she moved to the island 10 years ago; she remembers him as creative, hilarious, brave. She said he was a sensitive soul tortured by how screwed up the world can be.

“I want to see people go to jail for this,” she said, fighting back tears. “This was murder.”

Brown released a statement following the protest. He said he shares the family’s anger and grief.

“I believe the best way of honoring Keaton and his family is to do everything possible to see that no other family has to endure what the Farris family is experiencing. I am truly sorry for this tragic death,” he wrote.

“Changes are already being made to ensure that every inmate is safe and inmate medical needs are properly addressed.”

A complete story about the protest and its aftermath will appear in the June 24 edition.