Inmate who died in Arizona prison had burns on face and body, high core temperature

AZ inmate who died had burns, high core body temp

PHOENIX — An inmate who died in triple-digit heat after spending four hours in an outdoor holding cell had numerous first- and second-degree burns on her face and body and a core body temperature of 108 degrees, according to an autopsy report.

The report confirmed that Marcia Powell, 48, died of a heat-related illness but also provided more details of her death than were previously known.

The report, which The Associated Press received this week, found that her death on May 20 at the Perryville prison in Goodyear was an accident and that she had anti-psychotic drugs in her system. Such drugs are known to make people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Powell collapsed in 108-degree heat and died at a hospital the next day, touching off a criminal investigation and bringing an abrupt end to the regular use of holding cells like the one in which Powell died.

Department of Corrections spokesman Barrett Marson declined to comment on the report, citing an ongoing internal investigation.

Donna Hamm, director of Tempe-based Middle Ground Prison Reform, said the report’s ruling that Powell’s death was an accident raised a red flag.

“She was obviously left there without water, shade and attention,” Hamm said. “I don’t know what other elements have to be present to call it a negligent homicide.”

A prison deputy warden, captain and lieutenant were placed on paid leave after Powell’s death. Marson did not immediately know whether they were still on leave Tuesday.

Under the prison’s internal policy, Powell should have been removed from the cell after two hours. Under the policy, corrections officers were supposed to document checking on her condition every 30 minutes.

Prison officials refused to disclose whether Powell was checked on, saying the information is part of their investigation.

Powell was serving a 27-month sentence for prostitution.