UPDATE: February 2, 2012
To the family of Alfonso Farmer: Condolences on your loss. If you're in the Tucson area and are struggling with this suicide, I encourage you to contact Survivors of Suicide Tucson for information on coping and support groups. The contact is Tyler Woods; his number is 520-861-6632.
You need to know that the suicide rate has doubled in the state prisons under the current administration. The ACLU National Prison Project and the Prison Law Office are about to file a class action lawsuit against the AZ Department of Corrections for neglecting the mental health needs of prisoners and abusing solitary confinement in managing their symptoms. If you think you may have standing in that suit or want more information, please contact the Arizona ACLU at 602-650-1854.
Please also feel free to contact me if you want to organize with other families who have gone through similar experiences. My name is Peggy; my phone number is 480-580-6807 (arizonaprisonwatch@gmail.com). I'm a freelance prisoner rights activist, artist, and community organizer in Phoenix.
Thoughts go out to the family of this young man's victim as well. I don't know the details of his crimes, but incidents like this can dredge up feelings there, of course - not always those of resolution. Homicide Survivors, Inc. in Tucson may have some resources that can help, in case you haven't been in touch with them and need some support. Their number is 520-740-5729.
Take care, all.
--------------
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
1601 W. JEFFERSON
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007
(602) 542-3133
www.azcorrections.gov
JANICE K. BREWER, GOVERNOR CHARLES L. RYAN, DIRECTOR
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Bill Lamoreaux
blamorea@azcorrections.gov
January 23, 2012
Inmate Death Notification
Florence, Az. – Inmate Alfonso Farmer, 23, ADC #219587, was found unresponsive in his housing unit Sunday. He was pronounced dead from an apparent suicide after medical responders attempted life saving measures.
Farmer, sentenced out of Maricopa County, was serving 22 years for 2nd degree murder and aggravated assault. He came to ADC July 23, 2007 and was held at the Browning Unit, ASPC-Eyman.
The death is under investigation by the department.
