At Broward County Jail, Florida, inmate Kevin Barnes, 35, is accused of fatally assaulting his cellmate, Janard Geffrard, 29, on December 16, 2023.
Marcia Irving, Geffrard’s mother, is demanding an investigation into the incident, particularly regarding the actions of jail guards during and after the attack.
Barnes had allegedly targeted Geffrard because of his sexual orientation and lack of personal hygiene.
The victim, incarcerated for six months on a burglary charge, was waiting to be transferred after being deemed incompetent to stand trial. Mental health issues also led to the suspect being considered unfit to appear before a judge regarding a breach of probation charge.
Surveillance footage captured the brutal assault, which was not responded to by deputies for over 20 minutes. The victim was transported to the hospital an hour later and was put on a ventilator. He remained unresponsive and died on December 26.
The family’s attorney, Josiah Graham, said that Geffrard suffered significant injuries, including a fractured sternum, broken rib, and bruised lungs.
Graham noted the severity of the incident and indicated the family’s intention to seek justice, potentially through legal action. They are considering a lawsuit as compensation for Geffrard’s 10-year-old son.
Public defender Gordon Weekes raised concerns about the treatment of inmates with mental health issues in the jail, indicating a culture of indifference.
He mentioned writing to the sheriff about this issue but has not received a response. Sheriff Gregory Tony himself had raised similar concerns in the past.
Bill Gellin, a defense attorney and courthouse blogger, called the situation troubling. “Basically, one mentally ill person is accused of choking another one and then ten minutes later kicking him on the ground before anyone discovered what was happening,” he said. Gellin emphasized the urgency of the problem, saying that it is an issue that must be addressed.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has confirmed an ongoing investigation by their Internal Affairs Unit. Two BSO employees, a detention deputy and a detention technician, are on administrative investigative leave with pay in connection with the incident.
Geffrard’s death is prompting calls for reform and better care for inmates, especially those with mental health challenges.
Kevin Barnes is expected to face murder charges for his role in the fatal assault.