Walker County Correctional officer makes initial court appearance in connection to the death of Tony Mitchell

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Former Walker County Corrections Officer Heather Craig made her initial appearance in federal court Wednesday.

Craig is facing a deprivation of rights charge connected to the death of inmate Tony Mitchell. His official cause of death was hypothermia and sepsis from medical neglect.

The arraignment and initial appearance lasted just under ten minutes. Craig entered a not guilty plea, but that is standard at this point in the proceedings.

According to federal documents, Craig has agreed to plead guilty in the case. That will happen in a later court date.

Craig’s court filings suggest she watched Tony Mitchell’s condition deteriorate under their care but failed to speak up out of fear of retaliation. WBRC captured exclusive video of Craig leaving the courthouse on Wednesday. Her lawyer declined to comment at this time.

We will keep you posted on these developing cases and Craig’s next court appearance.

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