In response to the resident's death at the Central Detention Facility the following can be attributed to Nassim Moshiree, Policy Director for ACLU of the District of Columbia:
"Yesterday, the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) reported the death of Treyvon Little, who passed away on August 11 in a cell at the Central Detention Facility. This tragedy marks the third death in the D.C. Jail this year. Our hearts go out to the family of Treyvon Little during this difficult time.
Despite numerous calls for systemic reform by loved ones and elected officials, people held at the Jail continue to face inhumane conditions, and DOC continues to operate without effective oversight. Unlawful treatment of people in the Jail has led to three separate lawsuits brought in recent years by our courageous clients with the support of ACLU-D.C. and our legal partners.
It is beyond time for the D.C. Council to hold DOC accountable for its actions. In the short term, when the legislative session resumes, the Council should hold a hearing to question Director Faust about resident deaths. In the long term, the Council should empower a new independent oversight body with unrestricted access to the Jail to regularly and publicly report on the conditions and treatment of residents at DOC facilities."
