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August 31, 2015

Virginia: Black Man Dies in Jail After 4 Months for $5 Theft 
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In Virginia, a mentally ill African-American man has been found dead in
his jail cell after he spent four months behind bars for allegedly
stealing $5 worth of food from a 7-Eleven. The Guardian reports
Jamycheal Mitchell was arrested by Portsmouth police in April for
allegedly stealing a Mountain Dew, a Snickers bar and a pastry. A judge
had ordered Mitchell's transfer to a mental hospital, but when there
were no beds available, he was kept behind bars, without bail. He was
found dead August 19. His family believes he starved to death after
refusing medication and food in jail. He was 24 years old.

 

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