Charleston, WV (WOAY) – In West Virginia, the name Quantez Burks has become a symbol of a more profound crisis within the state’s jail and prison system.
Burks died in 2022 after being assaulted while handcuffed by state employees at Southern Regional Jail.
Though the state initially claimed he died of natural causes, a medical examiner ruled it a homicide.
Three years after Burks’ death, eight former correctional officers have been sentenced.
In an official press release introducing the report, the center states that the state’s Department of Corrections has yet to publicly acknowledge its role, offer an apology, or outline reforms.
Now, a new report bearing Burks’ name seeks to track every known death inside West Virginia correctional facilities since 2020.
Each number in the Quantez Burks Report represents a person, a family, and a story.
His mother, Kimberly Burks, fought for the truth and continues to fight for justice.
To read the full report or to take action, visit wvpolicy.org.
