WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Families and community members gathered outside the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, demanding answers after four women died at the prison over the past two months.
The demonstration, held on Wednesday (July 22), was part of a series of weekly vigils that began after the first two deaths.
Organizers have continued to gather every Wednesday at 6 p.m. outside the Ypsilanti facility to call for accountability and improved conditions.
Supporters say they are concerned about conditions inside the prison, which is Michigan’s only correctional facility for women.
They allege the facility has ongoing problems with black mold, inadequate medical care and medical neglect.
Some advocates have referred to the prison as the “Valley of Death,” saying the recent deaths underscore what they describe as longstanding issues affecting inmates’ health and safety.
Family members and supporters are calling on state officials to investigate the deaths and address conditions inside the facility.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has not publicly responded to the allegations made during Wednesday’s vigil. Details surrounding the four deaths have not been released publicly.
The weekly vigils are expected to continue as advocates push for greater transparency and reforms at the prison.
“We want to extend our solidarity with the families of Rebecca Fackler, Khaira Howard, Ashley Hoath, and Delphina Jones. And we also want our state representatives and Governor Whitmer to know that we’re not going to back down from this fight until Krystal Clark is free and until Women’s Huron Valley is shut down,” said Julia Paholik of Michigan General Defense Committee.
The families are calling on Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state lawmakers to take action.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has not responded to requests for comment.
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