Heard a rumor that an inmate who was on suicide watch in the hospital in Menard died after being on drugs that lowered his body temperature and being in a room with a faulty air conditioner that brought on hypothermia. There is supposedly an investigation going on. Anyone know anything?

That is frightening but I can't say I'm surprised. Anyone know who this was?

Rose

I haven't heard anything... but will ask JD about it....

According to today's Chicago Tribune rthe dead man is Char;les Platcher, 31, who had a history of psychological problems. He was serving 40 years for the murder of his mother and attempted murder of her boyfriend.

An autopsy was performed abnd results of a toxicology test are pending. There were no signs of suicide or foul play.

Officials are investigating the death, which occured on 25th Dec.

Still doesn't answer whether he died of hypothermia and we may never know!!

Rose

Thanks. I imagine we'll never know the whole truth, eh?

There's another report aboiut this in the Chicago Tribune Online Edition today. The guy's father is asking all sorts of questions and they haven't come up with the cause of death yet. The coroner in Randolph County (???) says there are no obvious signs of suicide or other causes of death. Perhaps I ought to email the Trib and tell them one of their journos should be logged on to this forum!!!

Rose

Yes, I think that would be a good idea!

I can not believe that this has happened. Yet another reason why we must watch the criminal justice system....my thoughts go out to the man and his family.

I'm afraid this isn't an isolated incident and happens all too frequently

Rose

A quote from inside the walls:

'The heating/air system in the hospital is by far not faulty. The medical staff routinely have the 3rd floor (where inmates are housed for many reasons, including hunger strikes and suicide watch) temperature very cold. The air conditioning is on all seasons, 24/7. It's used as a tool or to deter inmates from going there and to stop them staying once they are. If you need to go there you'll be placed in these ice rooms with no socks, a blanket that's as thin as a dime and almost always too short. The freezing temperature is used as a tool to make you leave. If you know you are going to have to be in the hospital then you make sure you go fully dressed, with thermal shorts and shirt and two pairs of socks, as you know it will be extremely cold and you prepare for it.'

Enough said, I think.


Rose