Prisons

A criminal complaint alleges that guards pepper-sprayed Othel Moore Jr., placed a mask over his face and left him in a position that caused him to suffocate.

It was supposed to be a nine-week vacation. It turned into a nightmare. Sam Goodwin details the story of his captivity in his new book, “Saving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home.”

Jefferson City Correctional Center’s warden was replaced last week without explanation following the investigation of an inmate’s death, causing activists to call for answers.

Othel Moore died at the Jefferson City Correctional Center in December while restrained and in isolation. Four corrections officers were fired in March for their actions related to his death.

Health care services in Missouri prisons are declining, according to a prison reform advocacy group. The nonprofit says providers are leaving, emergency care is getting denied and 66 residents have died this year.

The Missouri House advanced a bill that would prevent pregnant inmates in their third trimester from being restrained, except under extraordinary circumstances. The bill would also create certain health care requirements for pregnant inmates and reverse the prohibition on nonviolent drug offenders receiving SNAP benefits.

Dunn is optimistic about his freedom but also cautious: “I've been down this road before.”

Advocates are crisscrossing Missouri to foster empathy for the incarcerated.

At 18, Bobby Bostic was sentenced to 241 years in prison. Now out on parole, he’s sharing the healing power of writing in juvenile detention centers.

The Missouri Justice Coalition is going around the state to focus on prison conditions and outline the case for reform. The tour hits St. Louis next month and Rolla in December.