'Nobody did their job': How FL man’s 'preventable death' exposes 'major flaw' in 'carceral system'

Dexter Barry succumbed to cardiac arrest just three days after his release from a Florida jail, and his family believes his death could have been prevented had the jail staff adhered to his cry for help, NPR reports.

Per NPR, Barry's death, "which was first reported by The Tributary, has sparked major questions about the quality of health care overseen by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office."

In addition to the late 54-year-old's family, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Florida also told NPR, "Dexter Barry's disturbing, preventable death from medical neglect highlights a major flaw in how America treats its carceral system. We urge state officials to investigate Mr. Barry's killing and pursue justice for his loved ones."

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Florida pathologist Dr. Jose SuarezHoyos, "who conducted a private autopsy of Barry on behalf of Barry's family, told NPR," the 54-year-old "died from cardiac arrest that was caused by an acute rejection of the heart."

In body camera footage obtained by NPR, in his cry for help, Barry said, "I take rejection medicine for my heart transplant. I can't miss those doses."

NPR reports:

After experiencing a near-stroke in 2008, Barry waited for a new heart for 12 years, and even moved to Florida to increase his chances of getting the procedure, King said. Barry was determined to receive the treatment because he wanted to watch his son'schildren grow up, as well as see King have a child of her own. In 2020, the opportunity to possibly live a longer, healthier life came true.

Janelle King, Barry's daughter said, "The officer, the judge, the jail, the nurses, the medical team, nobody did their job. As a result, my father who waited 12 years for a transplant is not here."

Andrew Bonderud, the Barry family's attorney told NPR the family will "file a lawsuit against the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office soon," adding, "There were so many people who could have prevented Dexter Barry's death. It seems to me that one phone call to the right person from the right person would've made a difference."

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NPR's full report is available at this link.