Attorneys for the family of Lason Butler, a man who died at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, last year, have requested that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate what they have noted as inhumane conditions and violence at the prison.
Butler was just 27 when he reportedly died on Feb. 12, 2022, while in custody at Alvin S. Glenn. The autopsy report stated that he died from dehydration. However, the Richland County coroner ruled his death a homicide and referenced the “lack of action” by the prison staff.
Inmates at Alvin S. Glenn reportedly noted that water in Butler’s cell was off, and there were reports of unsanitary conditions in his cell. Butler was reportedly found naked on the floor of his cell during rounds, and non-responsive but ignored. He reportedly was exhibiting erratic behavior at the time of his intake and he was placed in the facility’s special housing unit so authorities could monitor his mental health.
An attorney representing Butler’s family, Bakari Sellers, called the prison a “death trap” and submitted a letter to assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke. The letter noted that other inmates reported the water being off in Butler’s cell, and pointed to unsanitary conditions in his cell. Butler was reportedly found naked on the floor of his cell during rounds and non-responsive but ignored.
“Other inmates have reported that the water was off in his cell, and others,” the letter reads. “It was also reported that Butler was heard throughout the night begging for someone to help him, including crying out for someone to get the rats to leave him alone.”
Butler’s body was covered with rat bites, and he lost 15 percent of his body weight during the 12 days he was detained at the prison, Sellers pointed out. He reportedly had been arrested on Jan. 31 for taking his cousin’s vehicle without permission and for traffic violations.
“Alvin S. Glenn is a death…
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