Princola Shields
Princola Shields was a Black woman held at Indiana Women's Prison in Indianapolis. Her family remembers her as a free spirit who was bubbly and loving, who had a rough upbringing but was working to turn her life around, had just landed a new job, and bought a pet rabbit. Reporting by the Sick podcast, based on public records and fellow prisoners, says she died by suicide in the shower, had a history of mental health problems and earlier suicide attempts, and that guards did not check on her as often as they were required to. The Indiana Department of Corrections spokesperson said she could not comment on the podcast's claims because she had not heard it.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Sick podcast, citing public records and fellow prisoners, says she died by suicide in the shower and that guards did not check on her as often as required.
Reported by: Sick podcast (reporters); fellow prisoners.