Daniel Williams was a 22-year-old inmate who died after a violent assault while serving a one-year sentence for a property theft charge at Staton Prison in Alabama. The assault happened in October 2023; Williams was transferred to Jackson Hospital, placed on life support, and later died in hospice care at Kilby Correctional Infirmary on November 8, 2023. The autopsy listed probable asphyxia due to smothering, with ligature restraint and multiple abrasions and contusions noted.

A DNA rape kit indicated three attackers. Reports say Williams was drugged, hog-tied, raped, and found unconscious on another inmate’s bunk; his family believes he was held by other inmates for two to three days. State documents described one inmate with a long history of sexual violence and other serious misconduct who is believed to be responsible, but an Elmore County Grand Jury returned no indictments.

The death has prompted criticism of the prison system’s handling of violent inmates and oversight. If anyone has information about Daniel Williams, the assault, or the conditions that led to his death, please share it with the appropriate authorities.