2 Prison Inmates Dead; Investigations Underway

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The deaths of two Alabama prison inmates at separate prisons in the last week have prompted an investigation by the Alabama Department of Corrections, according to an Alabama Media Group report.

Michael Smith ,55, of Fairfield, died Dec. 5, five days after after an alleged use of force incident at the Ventress Correctional Facility in Barbour County, the report said. Two corrections officers have been placed on mandatory leave while the investigation into Smith's death continues.

Willie Leon Scott, 48, of Birmingham, died Dec. 6 at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery from injuries sustained during an incident at Holman Correctional Facility in Escambia County.

Both inmates were serving sentences for murder.

Read the full report on al.com.