MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A recent escape and a series of deaths in Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facilities have raised concerns about the state’s prison system.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Pershon O’Neal Pettway escaped from the Childersburg Work Release facility, where he was serving a sentence for receiving stolen property. The escape comes on the heels of another incident in August, when Jordan Thomas fled from the Staton Correctional Facility and was later recaptured in Montgomery.
Since last week, multiple deaths have also been reported at various ADOC facilities. John Ward was found unresponsive in his cell at the Holman Correctional Facility on August 31. Sources revealed that Jimmy Ray Capps likely died from a drug overdose at the Bibb Correctional Facility, while Derwin Kennemer was pronounced dead at the Elmore Correctional Facility after being found unresponsive on September 1. Glynn Sasser also passed away at the Fountain Correctional Facility on August 31.
Additional sources indicated that there were at least two more deaths, but the identities of the individuals have not been confirmed.
These recent incidents have drawn attention to the state’s prison system and the challenges it faces in ensuring the safety of incarcerated individuals. The escapes and deaths have prompted calls for further investigation and reform within the ADOC. Public officials and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation and urging authorities to address the issues within the state’s correctional facilities.