Alabama jailers let naked inmate freeze for 2 weeks in filthy jail cell until he died

Two Alabama jailers, Heather Lasha Craig and Bailey Clark Ganey, have admitted their roles in the tragic death of Anthony Mitchell, a 33-year-old man who froze to death while incarcerated in a filthy, unheated cell at Walker County Jail.

The two jailers pleaded guilty to federal charges for their actions that led to Mitchell’s death. Craig admitted to deprivation of rights under color of law, while Ganey pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights.

Mitchell’s ordeal began on January 12, 2023, when he was arrested after firing shots at deputies who were responding to a mental health welfare check at his home. He was taken to the Walker County Jail and placed in a cell known as BK5.

The cell lacked basic necessities, such as a sink, toilet, running water, or a raised platform for a bed. Inmates in BK5 were dependent on jail officers to escort them to use the toilet, take showers, and provide them with water. The jail cell was also cold in the winter, especially with the cement floor making it even colder.

Court documents revealed that Ganey, who had worked at the jail for two years, believed that Mitchell should have been taken to a hospital or mental health facility instead of the jail, given his disoriented state.

When he was brought to the jail, Mitchell was non-combative and had difficulty standing, let alone walking. However, despite recognizing Mitchell’s compromised state, Ganey and other jailers expressed indifference and hostility toward him.

During the booking process, some officers made cruel comments, suggesting Mitchell should have been killed for shooting at deputies instead of being jailed.

For the next two weeks, Mitchell displayed severe mental health symptoms. He spoke incoherently, often mentioning “demons” and “portals.” During this period, Mitchell was often naked, lying on the cold cement floor of his cell, covered in feces, surrounded by garbage and leftover food.

Mitchell was denied a mat or blanket for warmth, despite the frigid temperatures that dipped to as low as 20 degrees outside. His cell was colder than the rest of the jail because it had an exterior wall.

Despite the deteriorating condition of the inmate, jailers, including Ganey, failed to secure medical or mental health care for Mitchell.

According to the plea agreements, they claimed that Mitchell was “too combative” to receive any care, a claim that allowed them to block medical professionals from evaluating his needs. Ganey admitted that during this time, he did not make any attempt to help Mitchell because he was trying to ingratiate himself with his supervisors.

Craig also noticed that Mitchell needed medical intervention, but chose not to report it because she feared being labeled a “snitch” by her fellow officers. Her failure to act, according to her plea agreement, was driven by her concern for her reputation rather than the wellbeing of the inmate.

On the night before Mitchell died, Ganey found him lying on the cold floor of his cell, mostly unresponsive. At that point, Mitchell could only raise his head slightly and mutter incoherently. Despite seeing his obvious need for medical attention, Ganey expressed frustration and dismissed the situation without taking any steps to aid him.

A few hours later, on the morning of January 26, 2023, Mitchell was finally taken to a hospital, but by then it was too late. He was pronounced dead from hypothermia and sepsis. His core body temperature was recorded at 72 degrees, far below what is considered compatible with life.

In the wake of Mitchell’s death, the jailers involved are facing legal consequences. In addition to Craig and Ganey, former correctional officer Joshua Jones has also pleaded guilty, acknowledging that he also played a part in Mitchell’s death.

According to court documents, Jones admitted that, “Collectively, we did it. We killed him.” Another officer, Karen Kelly, also agreed to plead guilty for what was described as her “minimal role” in Mitchell’s death.

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The case has drawn significant attention, especially after Mitchell’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Jon Goldfarb, an attorney representing the family, said they were shocked by the admissions from the jailers, particularly Jones’ acknowledgment of collective responsibility for Mitchell’s death.

The Walker County Jail, which has been criticized for its conditions and treatment of inmates, remains under scrutiny. The case has raised serious concerns about how mentally ill inmates are treated and whether corrections officers are equipped and trained to handle inmates in crisis.