Department of Corrections investigating prison suicides
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Department of Corrections is investigating the deaths of three inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. All died of suicide over a six-day period this month.
“These many incidents in such a short period of time are extremely rare,” DOC Deputy Communications Manager Rachel Ericson said. “We are investigating each one.”
There have been six suicides in Washington prisons this year, compared to only two last year. Ericson said she could not release details about how the deaths occurred or the names of those who died, but did confirm the deaths occurred on June 10, 11, and 15.
“We have comprehensive suicide prevention plans in place at all DOC facilities, but unfortunately not all attempts can be prevented,” she said.
Ericson said the units where the suicides took place were staffed at required levels and DOC knows of no communication breakdowns that would have disrupted access to mental health or other health services.
