Within the last 90 days, three suicides have occurred in the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), two by individuals being held in solitary confinement. The Stop Torture Coalition, along with family members of those who recently passed away, is holding a rally on May 9th, 2023 at 2:45 outside the Rhode Island State House to demand that the General Assembly act now to pass the Reform Solitary Confinement Act.

While details remain scarce due to the Rhode Island Department of Corrections‘ (RIDOC) lack of disclosure, it is known that Brian Rodenas passed away on May 2nd after spending months in solitary confinement for non-violent infractions.  This disturbing trend highlights the urgent need to end the use of long-term solitary confinement by passing the Reform Solitary Act, House Bill 6161 and Senate Bill 0617.

A letter provided to the Stop Torture Coalition by the family of Brian Rodenas, written March 15, 2023:

“Hi Ma, it’s your favorite son. I hope you’re doing good. I got in trouble so I’m in seg, get out of seg on April 18th. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’m still coming home next year, that is my promise to you. 2024 will be my year.” [Note “seg,” short for segregation, is RIDOC terminology for solitary confinement.]

Weeks later Mr. Rodenas was given another minor booking that would have forced him to stay in solitary confinement even longer, and committed suicide soon after.  This information directly contradicts the statement reported recently in the Providence Journal by Richard Ferruccio, President of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of CorrectionalOfficers, stating that Mr. Rodenas was only in solitary confinement for 10 days. [Editor: More on Ferruccio here and here.]

Senator Jonathan Acosta (Democrat, District 16, Central Falls), who is the sponsor of the Reform Solitary Confinement Act along with Representative Leonela Felix (Democrat, District 61, Pawtucket), stated that, “The three lives lost in the last several months underscore the need for reform. These lives were lost in a publicly managed and operated system which means the blood is on public hands. We stand willing and ready to come to the table in order to produce legislation that does everything in our power to prevent the loss of another life on our hands.”

Mr. Rodenas’s death is another example of the DOC torturing individuals with serious mental health diagnoses, resulting in their deaths. Elisha Liberty, Stop Torture Steering Committee Member and sister of Charlene Liberty, who passed away after being put in solitary confinement repeatedly for attempted suicide, stated, “The unfortunate deaths of these 3 inmates just solidifies the need for the Reform Solitary Confinement Act to be passed. Personally observing what it did to my sister Charlene Liberty’s mental health and the direct torture tactics she received from the correctional officers at the ACI screams for oversight and reform. My condolences to the families who are now left to endure the lifetime of heartache.”

RIDOC has failed in its most basic mission to prevent harm to inmates, and it is imperative that they provide details of these deaths to the public and the State Assembly. According to the United Nations and numerous advocacy groups, solitary confinement or segregated housing is considered torture and exacts untold human costs. 

Brandon Robinson, Stop Torture RI Campaign Manager, stated that, “The tragic deaths at the RI ACI highlight the urgent need to pass the Solitary Reform Act. Brian Rodenas should not have been kept in solitary confinement for months on end, and this bill would prevent others from suffering in the same way.”

For further information, please contact: Stop Torture Campaign Manager, Brandon Robinson, [email protected], 401-214-1810.