Two Deaths Renew Scrutiny at Michigan’s Only Women’s Prison

Two women incarcerated at Michigan’s only women’s prison died within four days this month, prompting new oversight calls at a Pittsfield Township facility already under scrutiny for medical care, mold and living conditions.

Michigan Department of Corrections spokesperson Jenni Riehle confirmed to The Sun Times News that Rebecca Fackler, 57, died at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility on Sunday, May 17. Khaira Howard, 28, died there May 13.

In both cases, Riehle said staff began lifesaving measures and called emergency medical services, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Both deaths remain under investigation, foul play is not suspected and autopsies are being conducted through the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office, she said.

The deaths come after months of concern over conditions at the prison. In March, The Sun Times News reported that state Sen. Jeff Irwin, who represents parts of Washtenaw County, called for Women’s Huron Valley to be closed after a legislative oversight hearing detailed concerns about mold, medical care and living conditions.

At the time, Irwin described the problems at the prison as long-running and difficult to resolve.

“We have an obligation to make sure people in state custody are treated humanely,” Irwin said then.

State Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township, said the second publicly reported death within days of the first prompted her to formally request preservation of records and clarification about investigative and mortality review procedures.

“Given the timing of these incidents and prior concerns raised through oversight channels regarding facility conditions, medical responsiveness, and operations at the prison, I have formally requested preservation of records and clarification regarding investigative and mortality review procedures,” Miller wrote in a public statement.

Miller, minority vice chair of the House Oversight Committee, said relevant facts, timelines and records must be preserved so review processes can proceed thoroughly and transparently.

MDOC said Fackler and Howard are the only two deaths at Women’s Huron Valley this year.

Riehle said Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington and health care leadership are at the prison and working with custody and medical staff. Additional experienced clinical leaders from across the state have also been called in to provide assistance while the investigations continue, she said.

According to MDOC, each investigation includes a mortality review, an autopsy by an independent medical examiner and an administrative review of procedural compliance.

“The department takes the safety and security of those under our supervision very seriously and has comprehensive processes and medical protocols for health emergencies,” Riehle wrote.

She said incarcerated people receive a “consistent community standard of care,” including access to regular medical assessments, outside specialists and emergency services.

The deaths have also drawn attention from Flood Law, a firm that says it represents more than 900 current and formerly incarcerated women in ongoing civil rights litigation connected to Women’s Huron Valley.

In an approved statement for publication, Flood Law Senior Attorney David Champine said the firm is investigating the deaths as part of its ongoing litigation. The firm said incarcerated women are coming forward with information about the circumstances surrounding both cases.

Flood Law also raised questions about medical care and Howard’s release status. The firm declined to provide documentation to The Sun Times News, citing the sensitivity of the material, its investigation and possible retaliation concerns.

Riehle also responded to concerns about mold at the prison, saying MDOC recently worked with an independent, certified expert to complete comprehensive environmental testing.

“Findings of these tests were consistent with expected results typically found in large settings where individuals live and work,” Riehle wrote. “Claims suggesting that the facility has dangerous, systemic, black or toxic mold conditions are simply false.”

While MDOC described its investigation process, emergency medical protocols and recent environmental testing, the department did not provide case-specific information about whether either woman had requested medical care or was under medical observation in the days before her death. MDOC also did not say whether it would release the full environmental testing report.

Riehle said loved ones and members of the public can contact the department for updates on the investigations or information about people housed at the prison by emailing [email protected]

Featured image: Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Pittsfield Township is Michigan’s only prison for women. Two women incarcerated there died within four days in May, prompting renewed calls for oversight. Photo by Heather Finch