Vigil and rally to be held at State House for ACI inmate’s death
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A vigil and rally will be held at the Rhode Island State House to raise awareness for the death of ACI inmate William Washington, Jr.
It’s been two weeks since Washington passed away inside of the ACI in Cranston, and one other inmate has died in that time.
“We’re going to protest the ACI deaths that keep happening that seem to be for medical malpractice or medical neglect or poor medical treatment,” said organizer Melanie Perez.
The protest will be followed by a prayer and then a speaking session with state legislators.
“It’s just poor medical treatment. They’re not being taken seriously. The inmates they’re crying for help constantly and repeatedly and they keep getting the most minimum of care,” said Perez. “There’s something that needs to be done about it, definitely.”
Perez was asked what change she’d like to see in Rhode Island regarding the treatment of inmates.
“There definitely needs to be some medical oversight, some external medical oversight into the department of corrections,” said Perez.
ABC6 reached out to the ACI for comment on the incidents:
Statement on Mr. Washington:
“Earlier in the afternoon of Wednesday, February 28th, at the John J. Moran Medium Security facility, nursing staff called for medical assistance for an inmate who suddenly became unresponsive. Cranston Rescue was called, and officers and nursing staff immediately began administering life-saving measures until the ambulance arrived. The inmate was rushed to RI Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The matter is under investigation by the State Police and the RIDOC’s Investigative Unit.”
Statement on the second inmate:
“Around 2am in the morning of Saturday, March 9th, at the Intake Service Center, an inmate alerted security staff that his cell mate appeared to be in medical distress. Nursing staff responded immediately providing medical assistance and calling Cranston Rescue. The inmate was rushed to RI Hospital where he later died. The matter is under investigation by the State Police and the RIDOC’s Investigative Unit.”
