Scotty Alan Cafego
Scotty Cafego, 45, of Hico, died on August 28, 2023, after being taken to Southern Regional Jail in Beckley. His stepdaughter, Alexis Wood, said he suffered occasional bouts of paranoia, and the family believes jail intake staff should have evaluated his mental health when he arrived. The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security said he was found unresponsive in his cell, revived by staff, and taken to Charleston Area Medical Center, where he died. Wood said the family was not told about a serious medical problem until they reached the hospital, where he was unconscious and handcuffed to a bed, and the family disputes the timeline. The State Police and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are investigating, and the family wants answers about his mental health care.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The state says Cafego was found unresponsive in his cell, revived by staff and taken to Charleston Area Medical Center, where he died, while his stepdaughter Alexis Wood says the family was not told about a serious medical problem until they reached the hospital, where he was unconscious, handcuffed to a bed and guarded, and the family disputes the timeline and wants answers about his mental health care.
Reported by: West Virginia Department of Homeland Security spokesperson (the agency that held him); Fayette County Magistrate's Office; stepdaughter Alexis Wood (family or their lawyers).