Dying, disabled Illinois prisoners kept behind bars despite law
Prisoners in Illinois can request early release if terminally ill and expected to die within 18 months or medically incapacitated and need help with daily tasks.
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Prisoners in Illinois can request early release if terminally ill and expected to die within 18 months or medically incapacitated and need help with daily tasks.
“Our prison system is now completely overburdened by people who pose absolutely no risk to public safety but are tremendously expensive to care for.”
Terminally ill or medically incapacitated prisoners can apply for early release. But the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has denied twice as many requests as it OKed — and seven prisoners died months after their applications were rejected, an Injustice Watch / WBEZ investigation found.
Lawmakers said hundreds of people would be released thanks to the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act. But so far, just 52 have gotten out.
Lawmakers said hundreds would be released thanks to the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act. But so far, just 52 have gotten out.