CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Testimony was heard Monday at Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse regarding just some of the allegations which have been brought against Southern Regional Jail pertaining in no small part to destruction of evidence.
Among those who testified before Judge Frank Volk on Monday were recently appointed Southern Regional Jail Interim Superintendent John Frame and plaintiff attorneys Robert Dunlap and Stephen New, the latter of whom has been persistent in exposing what have been called “deplorable conditions” at the facility.
“Change needs to happen,” New said of the situation. “It can either happen as a result of legislation or it’s going to happen as the result of litigation. Either way, it’s going to happen.”
Just over two weeks prior to Monday’s hearing, New let it be known that evidence was purportedly being disposed of at the facility and that an injunction was being sought.
“We have reason to believe that documents are being shredded at Southern Regional Jail,” he declared. “When we confirm that, we plan to seek an injunction against the State of West Virginia to stop the destruction of any evidence.”
New also revealed that he had sent several letters imploring those in authority to maintain evidentiary integrity, letters which were purportedly disregarded.
Testimony was heard from a number of witnesses Monday, including employees with Southern Regional Jail and Interim Superintendent Frame who assured that no evidence had been destroyed to his knowledge.
New would ultimately attain the aforementioned injunction sought, as Volk issued such an injunction forbidding any destruction of evidence.
New has spoken publicly of allegations against authorities with the State of West Virginia and with Southern Regional Jail of facilitating unlivable conditions at the jail, along with the habitual and ongoing mistreatment of offenders housed within.
The court proceedings follow a considerable number of inmate deaths in recent years at Southern Regional.
“I hope that it doesn’t happen to another family because it is the worst feeling in the world to know that your child is beaten with no answers; no reason why,” said Kimberly Burks, mother of Quantez Burks, who was one of several inmates to pass away while in the custody of SRJ in 2022.