Khaira Howard
Khaira Howard, 28, died on May 13, 2026, at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Michigan, days before her scheduled parole. Her mother, Shaquillia DeShields, said Howard had schizophrenia, was not receiving her medication, and cried out for help. Her family's attorney says other incarcerated women reported she called for help for about 45 minutes without getting any. The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner found that a blood clot from her right leg had reached her lungs and classified the death as natural. Her family says she was denied proper medical care, and the Michigan Department of Corrections says the death is under investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner ruled the death natural from a pulmonary thromboembolism due to deep vein thrombosis, but her family and attorneys say she was denied proper medical care and ignored while calling for help for about 45 minutes, and a prisoner observation aide said staff called her a liar.
Reported by: Washtenaw County Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); Michigan Department of Corrections (the agency that held her); her family and attorney Timothy Holland (family or their lawyers); a prisoner observation aide.
Lawsuit: Her attorneys filed a civil lawsuit alleging she did not receive necessary medical care, and no settlement or award has been reported.
Sources (52)
- Transparency and Action
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- Michigan Department of Corrections releases autopsy findings in Women’s Huron Valley inmate death
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- MDOC Releases WHV Autopsy Findings, Moves Woman in Separate Case
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- ‘Blood on your hands’: Family members call for reform and investigation of Huron Valley prison
- Family Members Demand Investigation of Michigan Prison After Deaths of 5 Women
- Fifth death at Michigan women’s prison as families confront Whitmer administration