November 21, 2023
Elmore, Alabama (NewsFirst) — A 22-year-old Alabama man was reportedly tortured, beaten, and raped a few days before he was schedule for release.
Daniel Willliams was serving a 12-month prison sentence for a low-level theft crime.
Reports indicate that Williams may have been repeatedly physically and sexually assaulted by fellow inmates.
Initial reports from the prison indicated Williams died of an overdose. Prison officials walked those statements back after family members demanded answers and additional information.
Several unnamed prison sources and family members said he had been kidnapped and tortured for at least two days before being found and taken to a hospital.
Investigations are underway as to who was responsible for the rape and torture of Williams.
Other reports indicate that he had numerous bruises on his body and there were indications his hands had been bound.
Doctors and nurses reported numerous bruises in and around Williams legs. They also stated it was obvious Williams had been sexually assaulted. Perhaps repeatedly.
“On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a possible inmate-on-inmate assault was reported at Staton Correctional Facility,” according to a statement from the Alabama Department of Corrections. “Inmate Williams was discovered unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit. Medical personnel treated Williams and monitored his condition. The decision was made to transfer him to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment.”
The family removed life support on November 5th. Doctors said that Williams was braid dead.
Family members have hired legal council to help in the investigation and to file suit against the prison.
“Deaths like that of Mr. Williams are tragic, preventable, and happen all too frequently in Alabama’s prisons,” said Bryan Stevenson, the director of the Equal Justice Initiative.
Federal authorities have been investigating violence in Alabama prisons since 2019.
US Department of Justice officials have stated that Alabama’s prison conditions are violating the civil rights of those incarcerated.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral and legal expenses.
