Charleston, West Virginia – Advocates and families of deceased West Virginia inmates gathered at the state capitol over the weekend to call for better protections for inmates. The group, including the West Virginia Poor People’s Campaign and Repairers of the Breach President Bishop William J. Barber II, highlighted the need for improved conditions following the death of an inmate at Southern Regional Jail in December.
According to activists, more than 100 inmates have died while incarcerated in West Virginia over the past decade. These deaths have sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the families who have lost loved ones behind bars.
One such family is that of Quantez Burks, who was killed on March 1, 2022. His fiancée, Latasha Williams, expressed her devastation after learning that he was beaten to death while handcuffed in an interview room. The lack of justice for Burks and his family has fueled their demand for accountability from those responsible for his death.
The issue of inmate safety and treatment has also affected Justine Shrewsbury, who lost her husband after 31 years together. Activists revealed that her husband, Alvis Shrewsbury, was beaten to death after spending 19 days at Southern Regional Jail. The emotional toll on the families has been immense, with Justine expressing her desire for those responsible to acknowledge their wrongdoing and face consequences for their actions.
The advocates and families are urging West Virginia Senators, Delegates, and Governor Jim Justice to address the glaring issues within the state’s prison system during the 2024 Legislative Session. They are calling for significant changes to prevent further loss of life among incarcerated individuals and to hold those accountable for their maltreatment.
The stories shared by families and former inmates shed light on the urgent need for reform and oversight within West Virginia’s correctional facilities. As the state grapples with the devastating consequences of inmate deaths, the demand for justice and change will remain at the forefront of the upcoming legislative session.