Marcia Powell
Born1960 or 1961
Died (aged 48)
Goodyear, Arizona, U.S.
Cause of deathHeat exposure

Marcia Powell was a 48-year-old incarcerated American woman who died on May 20, 2009, after exposure to extreme heat in an outdoor cage at Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville in Goodyear, Arizona.

Personal life

Powell had adoptive parents. She ran away from home at 14. Her adoptive father died on November 4, 2008. Her adoptive mother stated that at one point Powell had threatened to kill her. Her adoptive mother was not aware that Powell had died until Maricopa County Public Fiduciary investigator Roger Coventry informed her.[1] At the time of her death, Powell was serving a 27-month sentence for prostitution.[2]

Death

Powell was placed in an outdoor cage and exposed to temperatures of 107 °F (42 °C) for a period of four hours. Prison policy limits such outside confinement to a maximum of two hours.[1] An autopsy report showed that Powell had first- and second-degree burns and a core body temperature of 108 °F (42 °C). She had burn blisters all over her body. The county medical examiner found the cause of death to be due to complications from heat exposure.[3] According to a 3,000-page report released by the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC), she pleaded to be taken back inside but was ignored. She was also not allowed to use the restroom and, as a result, died in her own excrement.[3] Prison administrators fired, suspended or disciplined sixteen corrections employees over Powell's death.[4] The Maricopa County Attorney's Office chose not to prosecute ADC staff in her death, claiming that there was "insufficient evidence to go forward with a prosecution against any of the named individuals".[3]

Legacy

Powell was cremated, and in 2009, her ashes were interred at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in Phoenix, Arizona. Powell's adoptive kin did not wish to take possession of her ashes, and she had no other next of kin. In 2010, a memorial to Powell was placed at the Brophy College Preparatory school.[3]

By 2010, the deadline for someone to file a lawsuit in an Arizona court related to this case had expired. There are no people who have standing for a federal lawsuit in regards to this case.[3]

Outdoor cage cells are still used in Arizona. However, they now provide shade and include water fountains and benches.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Lemons, Stephen (June 5, 2009). "Marcia Powell Did Have Next of Kin, Says Guardian During Hearing". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Hogan, Shanna (June 20, 2016). "10 Ways Arizona's Scorching Summer Heat Can Kill You". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Lemons, Stephen (September 1, 2010). "Marcia Powell's Death Unavenged: County Attorney Passes on Prosecuting Prison Staff". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  4. ↑ Associated Press. "No charges in Ariz. inmate's death in cage". Archived from the original on September 5, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.

Further reading

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