Efrem Stutson
Efrem Stutson, 60, had worked in the kitchen at United States Penitentiary Lompoc, and his sisters say he was already very ill when he was released early under a federal reform on April 1, 2020. His sister Lawanda Rangal says the prison sent him by bus to San Bernardino, where family met him and took him to a hospital the next morning. Doctors diagnosed COVID-19 and placed him in quarantine, and he died four days later. His family disputes the decision to release him and is considering legal options, and the prison spokesperson said the facility could not comment on his medical condition at release.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). His sisters say the prison released him while he was already very ill, and the Independent reports staff neglected to provide him medical care before release, which may have contributed to his death; the prison spokesperson would not comment on his medical condition at release.
Reported by: his sisters Lawanda Rangal and Laura Harris-Gidd (family or their lawyers); The Independent (reporters); the prison spokesperson.