Justice for Aubrey McKay: Demand a Full Investigation Into His Death at Wallens Ridge State Prison**

We, the undersigned, are demanding a full, transparent, and independent investigation into the suspicious death of Aubrey McKay, a 27-year-old Black man who died while incarcerated at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Wise County, Virginia.

Aubrey was just weeks away from coming home—his release scheduled for his 28th birthday in late July 2025. Instead, his mother, Stacy Carter, is now planning his funeral.

Prison officials claimed Aubrey was “found dead in his cell.” But the medical examiner revealed he was pronounced dead at a hospital with serious physical injuries including:

Blunt force trauma to the head
Black eyes and bruises on his arms and ankles from shackles
A fractured Adam’s apple—raising serious concerns about strangulation or asphyxiation

Even more alarming: these injuries followed a wave of staff retaliation against incarcerated people at Wallens Ridge. In early May, five officers were attacked by inmates. Since then, numerous families and incarcerated witnesses have reported beatings and racial abuse by correctional staff. Aubrey himself had reported being targeted with racist slurs and harassment.

We have received irst-hand whistleblower accounts and inmate word-of-mouth report that support allegations of excessive force, retaliation, and systemic abuse. These reports have been compiled and are available to investigators and legal counsel.

We also extend our deep gratitude to **Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump** for taking on this case and helping amplify the voices of the McKay family and those inside Virginia prisons.

Therefore, we are calling on the following individuals and agencies to act immediately:**

* **Governor Glenn Youngkin**
* **Chadwick Dotson**, Director, Virginia Department of Corrections
* **Andrea Sapone**, Virginia Prison Ombudsman
* **Virginia State Police**
* **Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares**
* **U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division**
* **FBI – Richmond Field Office**

We Demand:

1. A full, independent investigation into the death of Aubrey McKay
2. Immediate suspension and criminal investigation of any staff involved
3. Full release of autopsy, medical, and incident reports** to Aubrey’s family and the public
4. Federal oversight of Wallens Ridge and other Virginia maximum-security prisons
5. Protections for whistleblowers and incarcerated people who speak out
6. Public accountability from the **Virginia Department of Corrections** leadership

Aubrey McKay was a human being. A son. A young man who had transformed himself and was ready to rejoin his family and community. Instead, he was silenced inside a prison notorious for violence and impunity.

#JusticeForAubreyMcKay

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**Call to Action:**
📣 **SIGN & SHARE THIS PETITION**
📝 Email or tag Governor Youngkin, VA DOC, Andrea Sapone, and DOJ
📤 Submit this story to reporters and civil rights organizations
⚖️ Demand federal intervention and a public reckoning