Anthony Tony Mitchell, 33, died in Walker County, Alabama custody in January 2023. His death was ruled a homicide; listed causes include hypothermia with sepsis from infected injuries and medical neglect. Family members have filed a lawsuit against the Walker County Sheriff and several jail employees.

Mitchell’s detention began after a welfare check and lasted about two weeks. Plea agreements from former correctional officers describe him being often naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on a concrete floor without a mat or blanket. By the time he was taken to hospital on January 26, 2023, his body temperature was recorded at 72 degrees.

Legal fallout has involved numerous former correctional officers and jail staff. More than a dozen have agreed to plead guilty in connection with his death; one former deputy, Carpenter, pleaded guilty to excessive force, admitting to stomping on Mitchell’s genitals while handcuffed and throwing him into a patrol car. Joshua Jones acknowledged in a plea that neglect contributed to the death. Five medical staff have also been charged with conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights, and other defendants have pleaded not guilty as proceedings continue.