INMATE QUESTIONS

The article on the death of an inmate in the Escambia County jail
leaves me with a few questions for jail authorities ("Man charged in
jail death," Jan. 8). First, why did the guard not hear any commotion
in the cell during the fight? He should have investigated any unusual
activity; no fight is that silent.

Second, why was a non-violent prisoner placed in a cell with violent
prisoners or second offenders? Johnny's problem was drugs. He was
never involved in robbery, murder or even vicious assault. It was
rumored that prisoners were to be separated into violent and
non-violent categories.

Third, any person knows that a bleeding head injury is emergency room
material. Instead, he was taken to the infirmary where a nurse became
responsible for his care. No nurse should be required to assume that
responsibility.

The real zinger was when the guard asked him if he would like to
shower, then returned him to the cell. In lieu of the shower, he
should have remained in the infirmary all night.

The person or persons responsible for this tragedy should serve an
extended jail term. Don't slap his wrist or sweep it under the rug.

Marie D Wallo,
Pensacola