Roger Brown
Roger Brown, 68, worked as a car mechanic and a machinist, and his widow, Joanne Brown, described him as a "jack of all trades." He lived in Brookline, in Windham County, Vermont. According to his death certificate, he died of metastasizing cancer on October 15, 2017, while held at State Correctional Institution-Camp Hill in Pennsylvania under a contract with Vermont. Diaries and letters from his cellmate and another man held at the prison say Roger was repeatedly refused medical attention as his pain worsened and he could no longer stand or sit up. Pennsylvania prison officials say he received a full medical evaluation and necessary treatment when he arrived, and Vermont officials said the case was still under review.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The death certificate lists metastasizing cancer, but his cellmate and another inmate's diaries and letters say staff repeatedly refused him medical attention as his pain worsened; Pennsylvania prison officials say he received a full medical evaluation and necessary treatment at intake.
Reported by: death certificate; his cellmate and another inmate, in diaries and letters (witnesses); Pennsylvania prison officials (the agency that held him); Vermont officials.