Jake Watson said his goal in joining the suit is to determine what, or who, killed his client.

“They had him in their custody. According to their comments to the media, he had access to no other inmates and then he was found in a coma,” he said. “That is suspicious in itself. In light of the history of the case, the family and people of Alabama have a right to know what’s going on.”

Watson was referring to Farron Barksdale’s conviction for murdering two police officers, which gave him a reputation among law enforcement officers.

“It’s shocking to know he was down there for just a few days and was found in a coma and nobody has any real answers,” Watson said. “There’s been no cooperation. We’re supposed to live in the most humane country in the world.”

Quest for truth

Geraghty said she began her quest for access to records at Alabama prisons last October when the center received numerous reports of violence at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, including reports of serious injuries and two deaths resulting from use of knives, ice picks, box cutters and broomstick handles.

“We received so many letters describing stabbings, beatings and assaults,” she said. “Some between prisoners and some complaints about officer brutality. People at that prison live in constant fear of bodily injury.”

Geraghty said although the state DOC did provide a summary of those incidents six months after her request, she wants to compel the state to open access to original documents at Donaldson and Kilby.

“I think we’re entitled, and citizens are entitled, to see the actual documents produced in connection with the incident,” she said. “The purpose of the Open Records Act is to protect the interest of citizens and assess the performance of officials in public institutions. The department’s actions are contrary to the spirit of open government.” Mary Barksdale, Farron’s mother, was named a plaintiff in the suit as administrator of her son’s estate.

The suit states: “Mary Barksdale would like to know what happened to her son. She seeks the prison incident report and all other Department of Corrections writings relating to the death of Farron Barksdale to determine whether there is a viable claim against employees of the Alabama Department of Corrections or others for the wrongful death of Farron Barksdale.”

Mrs. Barksdale did not return a phone call Thursday.

Farron Barksdale, diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, was transported to Kilby on Aug. 8, two days after he was sentenced to life without parole in the deaths of Athens Police Sgt. Larry Russell and Officer Tony Mims. His defense attorney said his client agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence to avoid a potential death penalty.

He was found comatose in his single-occupant cell by correctional officers during a routine head count.

Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit are inmates in state prisons: