Marcia Powell, a convicted prostitute, died while being held in a Phoenix prison. Powell was detained in an outdoor prison unit without a shade.

Powell was temporarily held in the outdoor cell while awaiting a transfer into other quarters. She was supposed to be transferred to an observation ward after her check-up by a psychiatrist working for the prison. However, there was a problem in the observation ward and Powell had to wait in the temporary holding cell outdoors.

Powell was outdoors for 4 hours before she collapsed. Prison officers sent her to hospital but she died the next day. There is an investigation into her death. Officials want to know if Powell’s medication interfered with her ability to withstand heat and if she was given adequate water.

Prisoners held in outdoor cells were supposed to be shifted indoors after 2 hours but Powell was outside for 4 hours. Guards are supposed to check on prisoners held outdoors every half an hour. It was unclear if these regulations were being observed for Powell.

A deputy warden and two guards involved in Powell’s case have been suspended.

Marcia Powell, RIP.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Gossip.