Alabama families, leaders cry out for change in prisons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee held a public hearing Wednesday.
Families and state leaders crying out for change, sharing stories of inmates who have died or been harmed serving time inside Alabama prisons.
“On December 12, 2023, at 6:30 a.m., we got a call. ‘He’s dead,'” said Betty Martin, recalling a conversation she had with her son Derrek Martin. He died while serving his sentence at Elmore Correctional Facility. He was transferred there from Limestone Correctional Facility.
She followed countless other families who took to the podium, sharing similar stories of their loved ones facing neglect inside Alabama prisons.
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Tim Mathis said his son was placed into custody in 2016 for a manslaughter charge after a car accident.
“We had no idea at the time that took place that it was going to turn into a death sentence in the hands of the [Alabama Department of Corrections],” Mathis said.
He said his son died after being moved to Elmore Correctional Facility. He recalls seeing him for visitation and said his son Chase Mathis could barely open his eyes because he was beaten so badly.
“We’re number one in the mistreatment, death and torture of our prisoners in our prison system,” Mathis said. “It’s awful. It’s just awful.”
State lawmakers said this should be a priority for the legislature.
“Our parole system really needs oversight,” said state Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa). “The amazing thing about it is the numbers indicate that the less likely you are to reoffend, the more likely you are to be denied parole.”
“So they should do the time, but they should be safe while they’re doing it,” state Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) said. “And I would just implore to you that please make this a priority for us.”
The committee plans to meet next in October to continue discussions.
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