MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A series of disturbing incidents took place in multiple Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facilities on Monday, including several deaths, an attempted suicide, and an escape by an incarcerated individual.
The escapee from Staton Correctional Facility, Jordan Thomas, is a convicted murderer. While ADOC reported that Thomas escaped at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, other sources claim that the escape actually occurred in the early hours after midnight. At the same facility, another individual, Keith Holley, tragically passed away. Holley, a diabetic who had undergone a leg amputation while in prison, died under unknown circumstances.
Meanwhile, at Limestone Correctional Facility, Martez Seay died from an alleged overdose. And at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, Lashun White’s cause of death is currently under investigation by ADOC.
Additionally, at St. Clair Correctional Facility, an inmate attempted suicide and is currently non-responsive, with recovery within the next 24 to 48 hours deemed unlikely. These incidents have contributed to what is now an approximate death toll of 110 individuals in ADOC facilities so far this year.
This troubling series of events has brought renewed attention to the ongoing issues within Alabama’s correctional facilities. With the high number of deaths and incidents of self-harm, questions are being raised about the state’s ability to ensure the safety and well-being of those in its care. The circumstances surrounding the deaths and the attempted suicide also highlight the need for greater oversight and accountability within the ADOC.
The tragic outcomes of these incidents underscore the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges within Alabama’s correctional system. As investigations into these events unfold, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize the well-being of incarcerated individuals and work towards implementing reforms that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.