Inmate of 36 Years Describes Inhumane Treatment in Michigan Prison
Johnathan Lancaster, inmate at Alger Correctional Facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula had a history of mental health issues and stopped eating. His health deteriorated and he was restrained in an observation cell for three days but didn’t receive any emergency medical attention. After 15 days without food or water, Lancaster lost over 50 pounds and died on March 11, 2019. He was 38 years old.
This week, Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, charged eight current and former employees of Alger Correctional Facility with felony counts related to Lancaster’s death.
“These are serious, and numerous, charges that reflect the broad culpability the defendants shoulder in the death of Jonathan Lancaster. The eight defendants had a responsibility for the care and well-being of those in their custody, and my office will continue to rigorously pursue accountability when that is not met,” Nessel said in a statement.
Those are strong words from the AG, but cases of abuse, neglect, and indifference within the Michigan Department of Corrections don’t start and stop with the tragic death of Lancaster.
Temujin Kensu aka Fredrick Freeman knows all too well how callous and corrupt the system can be. “I’ve been advocating for that investigation [of Lancaster’s wrongful…
