Preston Thomas
Preston Thomas, a 57-year-old Black man, had high blood pressure and diabetes. His sister, Desira Caffey, said she was immediately concerned for his health and worked to get him insulin and other medications while he was held at the St. Clair County Jail, where he was awaiting trial. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early January 2021, and he died on January 26 after 18 days in intensive care at Belleville Memorial Hospital. Inmates say he grew sicker for days and that nurses delayed sending him to the hospital.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). Inmates and his family say he died of COVID-19 after jail nurses delayed sending him to the hospital, while he grew sicker for days.
Reported by: inmates; his family.