In this post you’ll find several recently updates (as of 11/17/18) relating to abusive conditions inside Columbia Correctional, IWOC’s campaign against conditions, other resistance efforts, and ways that you can help. You can reach us at iwoc.milwaukee@gmail.com
1. Lawyer
2. Massive violence by guards
3. Future Phone and Email zaps
4. Open Records Research
5. Mass Mailings
6. Media
1. Lawyer
The family of the prisoner who recently committed suicide at Columbia has found a lawyer that will be helping pro bono with their effort to do class action against the prison over neglect that led to his death. While this is limited in scope (the lawyer has stated he won’t be litigating on wider conditions at the prison) this is a good development, and hopefully can force some accountability for Columbia’s murderous regime. The family wants us to continue public pressure as well, and to help share open records info and contacts inside that might help this case get more specific detail.
2. Massive violence by guards
(content warning: physical assault, brutality, attempted murder, torture)
We have received reports that on October 26th three guards at Columbia (Goldsmith, Thompson and Woodruff) attacked a prisoner, Kuan Barnette, saying “we’re here to kill you”, beat him, slammed him into a metal bed frame, choked him, dragged him from the cell and violently shook him. Kuan had been in clinical observation, and weighed 145 pounds. After the attack his head was disfigured, his finger was broken, he couldn’t stand, and both eyes were swollen shut, he was given emergency transfer to another prison.
On 11/14/18. one of these guards, Russell G. Goldsmith was arrested on suspicion of felony abuse of a resident of a penal facility and felony misconduct of public office. The DOC requested on October 30 that Columbia County Sheriff’s Office investigate a use-of-force complaint at the prison. Clearly much larger and more consequential change is needed in the face of these attacks. We will continue research and communication with people inside to get more information on this.
3. Future Phone and Email Zaps
The family of the prisoner who committed suicide on 9/1/18 has requested that IWOC campaign focus efforts against the Security Director of Columbia, Lucas Weber, to not let him off the hook and build up pressure that can force improvements that will stop more people from dying at Columbia. We want to co-ordinate volunteers more effectively to make ongoing impact in a way that won’t exhaust people’s capacities. Can you please contact us if you’re able to help with this? Tell us if you can do Just Email Zaps, Just Phone Zaps or Both, and how frequently you’re able to participate? (Daily, Weekly or Monthly).
4. Open Records Research
We have made a number of open record requests, and have a lot of information to review. Contact us if you want to help review DOC meeting notes and emails, help filter pertinent information.
5. Mass Mailings
It is important that we continue to write to all our contacts inside Columbia, to gather more information and give updates. Let us know if you are able to assist with this.
6. Media
We are seeking to expand media presence and help raise awareness on conditions in Columbia. Let us know if you are able to assist with this.
You can reach us at iwoc.milwaukee@gmail.com
