A Year of Loss: Vigil Honoring the Lives Lost to COVID-19 in DOC Facilities

April 15, 2021 @ 6:00 pm
April 16, 2021 @ 5:45 pm

Nearly a year ago, Joseph Russo passed away from COVID-19 — he was the first Delawarean to pass away in custody of the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC). He was incarcerated at James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility at the time.

Since Mr. Russo's death on April 16, 2020, twelve more Delawareans have lost their lives to COVID-19 while in DOC custody:

Robert Francisco
James Waller
Jim Hunter, Jr.
Richard Roth
Peter Schellinger
Joseph R. Slider
Jose Rivera
John W. Rosciolo
Jackie R. Lovett
Fred J. Clanton
Charles R.J. Patterson
Michael Harris

The ACLU of Delaware is hosting a vigil marking a Year of Loss in Delaware’s Prisons on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6pm, virtual via livestream on the ACLU of Delaware and Campaign for Smart Justice Facebook pages. This event will provide a space to reflect on the lives of people who have died and those who endured COVID-19 in the past year while living in Delaware’s prisons. 

The vigil will feature advocates, community members who have their own stories to share on enduring COVID-19 while incarcerated, faith leaders, and a special update from Senator Marie Pinkney, chairwoman of the Senate Corrections Committee. The event will be moderated by Emily Evans, president of the New Castle County Smart Justice volunteer chapter.

How to watch the vigil: tune in on the @ACLUDelaware or @SmartJusticeDE Facebook pages at 6pm on Thursday, April 15.