BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Following the deaths of 21 inmates in Broward County jails, the NAACP is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the management of these facilities. Four of the deaths occurred within the last month, prompting concerns about the treatment of inmates at these facilities.
Two families, the Kirks and the Mobergs, spoke out about their recent losses, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones. Joseph Kirk, 34, died while in custody at Broward County Main Jail, just two weeks after his arrest on a misdemeanor charge. The circumstances of his death, including a possible improper detox process or overdose, are now under scrutiny.
Similarly, Corbin Moberg, 25, was found unresponsive in his cell and died on January 2nd while incarcerated on felony drug charges. His family is also waiting on toxicology reports to understand the cause of his death. These tragic deaths have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in the treatment of inmates in Broward County jails.
In response to these deaths, the NAACP has written to the Department of Justice, urging the federal government to investigate further. NAACP President/CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the need to protect inmates’ constitutional right to adequate medical treatment. Meanwhile, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has emphasized the agency’s commitment to accountability and transparency, noting that every inmate death prompts an internal investigation.
As the community grapples with these troubling incidents, questions about the treatment of inmates and the protocols in place at Broward County jails have come to the forefront. The NAACP plans to hold a press conference to discuss the four recent inmate deaths, while the Kirk family prepares to bury Joseph and set up a GoFundMe account to cover funeral expenses and support his young son.
The deaths of these inmates have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of incarcerated individuals and the need for greater oversight to ensure their well-being. The community awaits further developments as authorities and advocates continue to seek answers and accountability for the tragic loss of life in Broward County jails.