Kenneth James
Kenneth James, 36, died on July 2, 2022, at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama, where he was held. He was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell and pronounced dead at the prison's health care unit, and the Alabama Department of Corrections confirmed the death. His mother, Capri James, remembers him as a happy person who could find humor in any situation and tried to stay cheerful during harsh conditions; he is survived by his daughter and son. She says the family could not get confirmation from the prison for several days, and she believes he was poisoned with fentanyl-laced drugs by other inmates, with earlier head injuries from an attack at the prison possibly contributing. The Jefferson County Coroner's office reported no signs of foul play, and an autopsy and investigation are ongoing.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The family says officials did not return their calls for three days, and his mother believes he was poisoned with fentanyl-laced drugs by other inmates, while the Jefferson County Coroner's office reported no signs of foul play and the autopsy is ongoing.
Reported by: Alabama Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); Jefferson County Coroner's office (medical examiner or coroner); Capri James (mother) (family or their lawyers); Alabama Political Reporter (reporters).