ACLU-KY Statement on Death at LMDC

The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections reported the death of Richard Graham, a 34-year-old Black man housed in the Louisville jail Sunday morning.

This statement can be attributed to Amber Duke, ACLU-KY Executive Director:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of yet another life at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. While there hasn’t been a death in the facility for nearly 12 months, ANY death in government custody must be met with a demand for investments in community-based healthcare services, greater transparency, and more accountability. This is especially true as the so-called “Safer Kentucky Act” becomes enforceable law in a few weeks, entrapping more people with substance use disorder in the criminal legal system, and adding to the dangerous overcrowding and other conditions in jails and prisons across our commonwealth.

It is a tragic fact that just days ago, a famous athlete was jailed and released within hours, sparking memes, jokes, and calls for accountability in policing. Mr. Graham had no such advocates. The day-to-day realities for those in custody at LMDC are harrowing and certainly no laughing matter.

Richard Graham was more than a statistic. I look forward to learning more about his life in the coming days. Until such time, I extend my condolences to his family.”