The Move Organization
March 13, 1998
215-476-9405 - Ramona Africa
Today our sister and family member Merle Austin Africa died under very suspicious circumstances. After a short bout with a stomach virus from which she was almost fully recovered (Family visited with Merle last Thursday) she fainted in the cell last night going to the bathroom. The prison authorities removed Debbie Sims Africa and stayed in the cell with Merle for 45 minutes and finally called an ambulance and took her to an outside hospital.
We were not allowed any information and only after Merle's mother insisted was she told that Merle had died.
Information is sketchy, but on Thursday the 5th Merle was looking good and feeling back to her old self and gave strong hugs to family who came to visit. Merle was a young woman in her mid forties, of good health and strong spirit.
One week later she is dead! We need to have answers!
In the meantime there is another emergency. Debbie Sims Africa is being forced to go back to the cell she shared with Merle and is not being allowed to be with her other two sisters Janet and Janine.
We need you to call/fax e-mail Martin Horn, Commissioner of Corrections and call Mr. Wolf the Superintendent of Cambridge Springs and demand that Debbie Sims Africa be allowed to be with her sisters during this terrible time. It is the only humane thing to do.
We also need you to inquire vigorously in the death of Merle Austin Africa.
More information will be forthcoming about a memorial service
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and Prisons List
Governor Tom Ridge
225 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Fax:(717)783-4429
Tel:(717)787-2500 11/98
Martin F. Horn, Secretary
Commissioner, PA. DOC
Department of Corrections
2520 Lisburn Road
P. O. Box 598
Camp Hill, PA 17001-0598
717-975-4859 - Tel
717-977-0132 fax
World Wide Web Page: http://www.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Corrections/overview.html
E-Mail to State of Pennsylvania: webmaster@state.pa.us
Mr. William Wolf
Superintendent
451 Fullerton Ave
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238
Phone: 814-398-5400
[posted March 13. 1998]
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