USA - Missouri. Prison Guard Investigated for Supporting Death Row Inmate's Clemency Request.

Prison Guard Investigated for Supporting Death Row Inmate's Clemency Request. The Potosi Correctional Center is investigating a staff member for the offense of "over-familiarity" because the staff member has pledged support for inmate John Winfield's petition for clemency. According to court documents, the guard has worked for the Department of Corrections for more than 20 years. He has supervised Winfield's work for years and "superlatively describes Mr. Winfield's work habits, his kindness to other prisoners, and the respect with which he is regarded by staff and prisoners alike." The staff members notes that Winfield took a special interest in looking after the inmates in the Special Needs Unit, who have disabilities, and he further describes Winfield as among the "elite 1 % of all inmates." Winfield is scheduled to die June 18. Winfield, 43, Black, was sentenced to death on September 18, 1998 for killing his ex-girlfriend and the sister of the woman in 1996. The documents also state that in the guard's more than 20 years of service, "he has met a few exceptional individuals who have been sentenced to death, but who have become changed men." He states that Winfield is "a compassionate and generous person who has the ability to mentor young inmates and change their lives."