November 7, 2024

72-year-old serving life for murder dies at Donaldson prison; no foul play, coroner says

Donaldson #Donaldson

A 72-year-old inmate serving life for murder died Thursday at William Donaldson Correctional Facility.

Clarence Coefield was found unresponsive in the west Jefferson County’s prison infirmary where he was being treated for significant natural disease. He was pronounced dead at 3:26 am. Thursday, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said an autopsy showed no signs of trauma or foul play. Coefield’s death is believed to be from natural causes.

Coefield was convicted of murder in Lee County in 1973.

So far this year, 28 inmates have died at Donaldson, surpassing the 2021 tally of 26 for the entire year.

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, deaths at Donaldson have trended upward in recent years. ADOC said 17 inmates died in 2019, and 22 in 2020.

The agency has declined all requests for interviews about the increase in deaths.

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