The Conditions of Incarceration

One of my colleagues was working a case where the client had some mental health issues. So, he hired a psychologist to review the case and interview the client. The psychologist ultimately determined that the client was incompetent to stand trial. The State's psychologist agreed, and the next step was for the client to be transferred to the State psychiatric hospital for treatment and to determine whether he could be restored to competency and ultimately stand trial.

That was in October. Apparently, it took some time for a bed to open up, and my colleague was checking on the client from time to time, to see if we could get him in the hospital.

Apparently, there were some issues, and he was discovered in his cell, yesterday, deceased. The papers aren't saying much about the circumstances surrounding his death.

However, we have heard from the jail that the issues involved rectal bleeding. In fact, he had gone to the regional trauma hospital three weeks ago to treat the condition.

Curiously, his cellmate apparently is a fellow that has returned to the jail from prison because he has a motion for new trial pending. He's currently serving multiple life-sentences. Infer what you will.