Daniel Walker
Daniel Walker, 20, was killed in the dormitory at Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, on June 24, 2006. His mother, Alice A. Walker, has sued the state Department of Corrections and prison officials, saying he was targeted in an extortion scheme run by other men held at the prison with the tacit approval of guards, and that officials failed to protect him despite his transfer request and threats. She said he had entered the prison expecting to come out alive, and the family says extortion calls to his parents began soon after he arrived. The Department of Corrections had not responded to the suit when it was reported, and the State Law Enforcement Division suspended its investigation, though the case remains technically open.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). Alice A. Walker's wrongful death lawsuit, filed by attorney T.O. Sanders, says he was beaten and smothered by other inmates in an extortion scheme with the tacit approval of guards, and that officials failed to protect him despite his transfer request and threats; the Department of Corrections had not responded to the suit when the article was published.
Reported by: Alice A. Walker's wrongful death lawsuit (through attorney T.O. Sanders) (family or their lawyers); South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which suspended its investigation (outside investigators).
Custody: Serving a sentence.
Lawsuit: His mother, Alice A. Walker, sued the South Carolina Department of Corrections and prison officials over his death, alleging they failed to protect him from an extortion scheme run by other inmates; the Corrections Department had not responded to the suit when it was reported.