Alarming Accounts of Abuse and Neglect in Alabama Prisons Demand Immediate Action

Man behind barsPhoto byQuỳnh Lê MạnhonUnsplash

Every week, I receive a newsletter in my email detailing the latest rumors, news, and deaths happening in ADOC's multiple facilities. The things that have been happening to the people held in the state's custody have been alarming, to say the least, and have been increasing in severity. I'm going to share only a couple of the latest stories.

A Sister's Desperate Plea to Save Her Brother

On June 20, 2024, a disturbing situation emerged as a sister raised alarms over her brother’s safety. Russell Reatherford, identified by inmate number AIS 307357, is reportedly in imminent danger. For several weeks, Russell is said to have been subjected to violent assaults and repeated robberies within his dormitory. Despite his attempts to defend himself, the situation has escalated dramatically, culminating in severe injuries, including a broken jaw, head and back trauma, and numerous gashes across his body.

In a desperate bid to secure her brother's safety, Russell's sister reached out to the authorities at Donaldson Correctional Facility, pleading for his relocation to a safer environment. However, her efforts were met with callous disregard. The officer she initially spoke with laughed at her concerns, dismissing the urgency of the situation and mocking her distress. When she sought further assistance, her pleas were again ignored, and the serious nature of her brother’s injuries was downplayed. The second officer she spoke with nonchalantly suggested that Russell should address his relocation request with the dorm officers, noting that he “sounded fine” during monitored phone conversations.

The situation worsened after the sister’s repeated calls for help. Following her last call to Donaldson, Russell was placed on a 45-day phone restriction, severing the critical line of communication between them. This punitive measure has left his sister in a state of profound worry, unable to ascertain her brother's current condition or safety.

This distressing account highlights not only the severe threats to Russell's well-being but also raises significant concerns about the response and accountability of the correctional facility's staff. The sister's heartbreaking experience is a clear reminder of the urgent need for a thorough investigation and immediate action to ensure Russell’s safety and to address the systemic issues within the facility that have allowed such abuses to persist.

Medical Neglect at Kilby and Bibb: A Tale of Suffering and Indifference

On June 15, 2024, reports surfaced detailing the severe medical neglect experienced by Donald Joseph Boteler, identified as inmate AIS 00178016, at the hands of Yescarecorp, the medical provider for Kilby and Bibb Correctional Facilities. Diagnosed with a critical gallbladder condition while at Kilby, Donald’s suffering was exacerbated when his medical records were not transferred to Bibb following his relocation. Despite enduring months of excruciating pain, and only after persistent complaints, he underwent a CAT scan and MRI, leading to a referral to a surgeon at a Tuscaloosa hospital. Although his surgery was scheduled for February 2024, by June, the procedure had yet to be performed.

Donald’s condition rapidly deteriorated; he experienced severe pain, was unable to keep food down, and lost over 60 pounds. His family, desperate and distraught, repeatedly reached out to the warden of Bibb Correctional Facility. Despite their efforts, they were met with empty promises of investigation and action. The relentless suffering of Donald, coupled with the inaction of Yescarecorp and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), painted a grim picture of deliberate indifference.

In a turn of events, Federal Marshals intervened, taking custody of Donald and escorting him out of Bibb. He is now scheduled for the surgery that had been unjustly delayed, finally receiving the urgent medical care he was denied. This case underscores the grave consequences of medical neglect within the prison system and the vital need for accountability and reform in inmate healthcare services.

A Call for Justice and Reform

These accounts of Russell Reatherford and Donald Joseph Boteler are just two of so many stories that illuminate Alabama's systemic failures within the correctional facilities and their contracted service providers. The blatant disregard for inmate safety and well-being, coupled with the callous indifference displayed by those in positions of authority, shows us a pressing need for comprehensive reform.

Russell's story of violent assaults and institutional neglect, alongside Donald's severe medical negligence, are not isolated incidents. They reflect deeper issues within the prison system that demand immediate attention. The experiences of these individuals and their families reveal a dire need for transparency, accountability, and a fundamental shift in how inmates are treated.

Let me know in the comments. If you don't already have the NewsBreak App, you can download it here!

You can follow me on 𝕏 @PressRealz for more content.

Got a tip for a story? Let me know by email at newsbreakcontributor@gmail.com. Do you think you have what it takes to become a contributor? Join here and get started telling your own stories.