Report Cites Problems That Led To Prison Death

An investigation into the death of a woman in a Vermont prison reveals problems with communication and health care staffing.

The Rutland Herald says a report released last week by the nonprofit group Disability Rights Vermont found the death of 23-year-old Ashley Ellis of Rutland could have been prevented if the Department of Corrections and the health care contractor Prison Health Services had done a better job.

Ellis died Aug. 16th, two days after arriving at the state's womens' prison in Swanton where she was supposed to serve a 30-day sentence.

Officials say Ellis died because she wasn't given medicine to treat a heart condition.

Ellis's family has since reached an out of court settlement with Prison Health Services.