Alabama Jailer Pleads Guilty in Mental Ill Man's Hypothermia Death; Second Jailer Follows Suit

Karen Kelly, a former Alabama jailer, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges for her "minimal role" in the tragic death of a mentally ill man who died due to hypothermia while being held naked in a concrete cell. Kelly's admission has raised eyebrows and highlighted potential systemic issues within the Walker County Jail.

Acknowledgment of Guilt

According to federal court records filed on a Friday, Karen Kelly's agreement to plead guilty to a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law has sparked a renewed focus on the circumstances surrounding the man's death. The plea agreement revealed that Kelly was cognizant of the perilous cell conditions that posed a serious threat to the man's well-being. However, she refrained from alerting authorities, other than her supervisor, due to fears of potential retaliation.

The identity of the deceased man has been revealed as Tony Mitchell, a 33-year-old individual who passed away on January 26, 2023, after being transferred from the Walker County Jail to a hospital emergency room in a state of severe medical distress. The cause of death documented on his death certificate was hypothermia and sepsis resulting from medical neglect. The plea agreement shed light on the harsh conditions of the concrete cell, often referred to as the jail's drunk tank, which was notorious for its frigid temperatures during the winter months. Additionally, it was revealed that Mitchell was housed naked, without a mat or blanket, for a significant duration of his stay in the cell.

Legal Repercussions and Reflections

Kelly's defense attorney, Brett Bloomston, expressed in a statement to news outlets that her client has "accepted full responsibility for her minimal role in this tragic death." The attorney further articulated that the prevailing culture within the Walker County Jail left Kelly with limited options to assist the inmate without the apprehension of reprisal. It is worth noting that Kelly hopes that this tragic incident serves as a catalyst for the implementation of new policies and procedures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of individuals housed within the jail's confines.

Following Mitchell's demise, it was reported that Kelly disclosed video footage depicting the moment when Mitchell was carried out of the jail while unconscious. She later filed a civil lawsuit, wherein her attorney conveyed that the decision to release the video was motivated by a desire to ensure that the "truth of what happened to Mitchell would not go to his grave with him." Subsequently, Kelly was terminated from her position at the jail.

Unraveling the Circumstances

It has come to light that Tony Mitchell, who unfortunately had a history of drug addiction, was apprehended on January 12 after a cousin alerted authorities regarding his erratic behavior and apparent mental breakdown. A notable incident involved Mitchell allegedly brandishing a handgun and firing at least one shot at deputies before fleeing into the woods. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries two weeks post-arrest.