Dem Wants Washington Gone After Second Death At Women's Prison

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/19/2026) A Democratic lawmaker on Tuesday called for the state's Department of Corrections (MDOC) director to resign after a second inmate death was reported at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHVCF).

Rebecca Fackler, 57, left, died Sunday, and Khaira Linnette Howard, 28, died May 13, at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. (Photos: MDOC)

Rebecca Fackler, 57, left, died Sunday, and Khaira Linnette Howard, 28, died May 13, at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. (Photos: MDOC)

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), a member of the House Oversight Committee, has championed for changes after a February visit to the WHVCF revealed what she called systemic breakdowns that have led to inmates’ complaints related to black mold, ventilation issues, and, arguably, now two deaths.

"Two women are dead. I do not think the situation is improving," Pohutsky said.

Jenni Riehle, a public information officer for the MDOC, confirmed that inmate Rebecca Fackler, 57, died on Sunday, four days after inmate Khaira Linnette Howard, 28, died.

Riehle said the causes of death for both women are unknown as of Tuesday, but Pohutsky questions whether neglect and prison conditions could be a contributing factor.

Riehle said lifesaving measures were attempted in both incidents, but were unsuccessful. Both deaths are "under investigation," she said.

"The department takes the safety and security of those under our supervision very seriously and has comprehensive processes and medical protocols for health emergencies," Riehle said. "This includes processes for assessing patient health by qualified onsite staff, requesting outside emergency medical services if needed, and conducting life-saving measures."

Riehle said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington, who has led the MDOC since 2015, and healthcare leadership were onsite at the prison and are working "closely with custody and medical staff."

MIRS learned that Washington spoke later in the day with legislators as well as staff representing legislators and congressional members who were interested in updates regarding the WHVCF. Washington is believed to have shared the actions the department is taking, but additional information was not immediately available.

Pohutsky said she was not aware of any meeting.

Stacey LaRouche, a spokesperson with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office, said the health and safety of those under MDOC's supervision "must always be their top priority." She said Whitmer directed Washington to "personally visit the facility, increase the number of health care professionals on site, and ensure health and safety standards are met."

Larouche added: "The governor has directed MDOC to conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into recent deaths at the facility and will release results publicly."

According to MDOC statistics, there were six deaths reported at the prison in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and five in 2022.

Messages seeking comment from Howard's mother, Shaquillia DeShields, of Detroit, were not returned, and efforts to reach Fackler's family were not successful.

Pohutsky said she'd spoken to DeShields and other women inmates, including Howard, prior to her death, and learned that Howard had been complaining of chest pains in the hours leading up to her death. However, Howard "was left unattended," according to the inmates Pohutsky spoke with.

Pohutsky said when Howard, who told the lawmaker she had to clean up mold at the prison without proper protective gear, fell unconscious, it took a nurse about four minutes to get to Howard, and five minutes for the defibrillator to arrive.

Pohutsky said other inmates told her that Fackler had complained "something was wrong" with the surgical site on her knee, which was "oozing puss."

Pohutsky said she's requested video related to Fackler's Friday visit with the health care unit, but she hasn't received a response yet.

The prison has been under scrutiny over living conditions, which has led to lawsuits.

In February, Pohutsky called the prison "Michigan's death sentence," as she spoke about systemic breakdowns that have led to inmates' complaints related to black mold, ventilation issues and more.

Riehle said claims or speculation that deaths of those within MDOC custody "before examinations and investigations are complete can be harmful to loved ones and victims."

Fackler filed a federal lawsuit in February 2006 alleging that a guard assaulted her by throwing "urine through her food slot, into her face and on her shirt." A judge ruled in MDOC's favor in August 2006 and the U.S. Supreme Court declined in 2007 to hear Fackler's appeal.

Fackler also was added as a plaintiff in 2007 to a lawsuit originally filed in 2005 alleging discrimination, sexual abuse and degrading treatment. Court records show the case was dismissed in 2009.

Three female prisoners alleged in a November 2019 lawsuit that they were regularly denied hygienic conditions, and that the women's prison has water leaks, leading to "damp and damaged carpets and ceiling."

In September, a federal judge partially granted summary disposition to the MDOC, who appealed the denial of qualified immunity. That appeal is pending in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Two other female prisoners filed a lawsuit in 2025 alleging "gender discrimination and forced labor." The case was dismissed later that year and a Court of Claims judge denied a request to reconsider that ruling.

Complaints have also come from former workers who alleged in a 2024 lawsuit, which has since been dismissed, that they were fired for encouraging female prisoners to report wrongdoing, including sexual misconduct.

The MDOC "recently worked with a third-party contractor to complete additional proactive and comprehensive environmental testing" at the women's prison and the findings "were consistent with expected results typically found in large settings where individuals live and work," Riehle said. "Claims suggesting that the facility has dangerous, systemic, black or toxic mold conditions are inaccurate."

Howard was serving a one- to 15-year sentence for receiving and concealing stolen property as well as terms for uttering and publishing, and stealing/retaining financial transaction devices.

Fackler was serving a three- to 20-year sentence for first-degree home invasion from 1998. Her criminal record also includes felonious assault, and multiple counts of assaulting a prison or other place of confinement employee.