Died in prison
Marcia Powell
Marcia Powell, 48, was held at the Perryville state prison outside Phoenix, Arizona. On May 19, 2009, when temperatures reached about 108 degrees, she was moved to an outdoor holding cell, where she collapsed in the unshaded cage, and she died at a hospital the next day. Authorities said she died of heat-related causes, but the autopsy results had not been released. Investigators were examining whether guards checked on her as required, how much water she received, and whether psychiatric medication affected her ability to tolerate heat.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff. Authorities say she died of heat-related causes, and the autopsy results had not been released.
Reported by: authorities.