Family Sues Georgia Department of Corrections Over Inmate’s Death
Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano, a 27-year-old inmate, died from heat exposure at Telfair State Prison in Georgia after being left in an outdoor cell for five hours without water, shade, or ice. His family has filed a lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections, claiming negligence led to his death.
Extreme Heat and Neglect
According to the lawsuit, Ramirez was placed in an outdoor cell on July 20, 2023, around 10 a.m., after meeting with a mental health provider. The temperature was already 86 degrees Fahrenheit. By the afternoon, it had climbed to 96 degrees, yet officers failed to provide Ramirez with water, ice, or shade.
At around 3 p.m., nurses found Ramirez in a dire state—vomiting, lying in his excrement, and struggling to breathe. His body temperature was recorded at 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite efforts to cool him down and administer CPR, Ramirez was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by heat exposure.
Warden’s Orders Ignored
The lawsuit alleges that Telfair State Prison Warden Andrew McFarlane had instructed department heads during an 8 a.m. meeting to keep inmates hydrated and limit their time outside. However, these orders were not followed, leading to Ramirez’s death.
Official Response and Legal Actions
The Georgia Department of Corrections reported that Ramirez died of natural causes, a claim disputed by his family’s attorneys. Jeff Filipovits, one of the attorneys, announced the lawsuit at a news conference in Decatur, Georgia, emphasizing the negligence of prison staff in handling the extreme heat.
Broader Concerns and Nationwide Scrutiny
Georgia’s prison system has been under scrutiny following a 2021 U.S. Department of Justice investigation into violence, understaffing, and abuse. The situation in Georgia mirrors broader issues within the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which has faced widespread complaints of dysfunction, abuse, and inadequate conditions.
