CHARLESTON, WV (AP) – Advocates from the West Virginia Poor People’s Campaign, accompanied by Repairers of the Breach President Bishop William J. Barber II and families of deceased West Virginia inmates, gathered at the state capitol to demand better protections for inmates following the tragic death of an inmate at Southern Regional Jail in December.
The advocates stated that in the last decade, over 100 inmates have died while in custody in West Virginia, highlighting the urgent need for improved safeguards within the state’s correctional facilities.
Family members, such as Latasha Williams, shared their devastating experiences, with Williams recounting the loss of her fiancé Quantez Burks, who was killed in March 2022 while in custody at Southern Regional Jail. Williams demanded accountability from those responsible for Burks’ death, emphasizing the need for justice and addressing the systemic issues within the corrections department.
Following the death of Burks, six former correctional officers at Southern Regional Jail were indicted by a federal grand jury, marking a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
The families of the deceased inmates expressed their collective exhaustion and anguish over the rising death toll in correctional facilities, emphasizing the ongoing emotional and psychological toll it has taken on them.
In addition to the personal accounts shared by the families, former inmate Ed Toothman revealed distressing instances of negligence and abuse witnessed during his time at North Central Regional Jail, shedding light on the pervasive mistreatment within the state’s prison system.
These harrowing accounts and advocacy efforts underscore the urgent need for systemic changes within West Virginia’s prison system. Calls for action have been directed at state legislators and Governor Jim Justice to address the longstanding issues and implement reforms during the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session.
The West Virginia Poor People’s Campaign will host another gathering on March 2 to address poverty and the specific challenges faced by incarcerated individuals in the state, further highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard inmate welfare and promote accountability within correctional facilities.