On October 3, 2025, tragedy struck again at Illinois’ Stateville Correctional Center. Donte Everton Jr., a 23-year-old inmate, was found dead in his cell, allegedly at the hands of his mentally ill cellmate. His mother, Latina Perry, reported visible strangulation marks on his neck and expressed her belief that he had been murdered. The Will County Coroner has yet to determine an official cause of death, and Everton’s family is pursuing an independent autopsy.
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This incident is eerily reminiscent of the death of Michael Broadway, who died on June 19, 2024, at Stateville. Broadway, 51, suffered an asthma attack exacerbated by extreme heat inside the prison. Despite his pleas for help, staff allegedly delayed medical intervention, leading to his death. His family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, citing deliberate indifference to his medical needs.
Both deaths highlight systemic issues within Stateville, including inadequate mental health care and medical neglect. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for reform and accountability within the Illinois Department of Corrections.
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Stateville was slated for closure following a federal judge’s order due to deteriorating conditions. By September 30, 2024, most inmates were relocated, with the final transfers occurring in March 2025. However, these recent deaths suggest that the systemic issues persist, even after the facility’s closure.
The families of Everton and Broadway continue to seek justice, demanding accountability for the deaths of their loved ones. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive reform within the state’s correctional facilities.
