Bernard Simmons
Bernard Simmons, 34, was held at Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois, when he died on November 19, 2014. His sister Debra Simmons said of him, "My brother was not a saint. But he was blood," and the family later scattered his ashes at a Chicago park. The Illinois Department of Corrections has said his cellmate, David Sesson, confessed on video to strangling him, and family members say the prison placed him with that cellmate despite warnings about the man's history. The family also says the corrections department never contacted them about his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). His cellmate David Sesson confessed on video to Illinois Department of Corrections investigators that he strangled him, and his family says the prison housed him with that cellmate despite warnings about the man's history.
Reported by: Illinois Department of Corrections investigators (outside investigators); Cellmate David Sesson's videotaped confession (witnesses); Simmons family members (family or their lawyers).