Death Row, Mississippi-
Each morning, Lisa Jo Chamberlin wakes up alone in her tiny cell and waits for someone to notice her. There is no one to talk to. There is no one to interact with. The only hope that she has is that one of the guards will realize that she hasn’t been let out to go to the dayroom yet. If she tries to get any attention, she will get written up. If it comes time for clemency, these write-ups could be the difference between life and death. So, she waits.
On the best days, Lisa Jo Chamberlin only gets out of her cell for two hours. During that time, she is expected to shower and make any phone calls she might want to. Then again, sometimes there is nobody to call. So, she sits. There is a yellow line on the floor that she cannot cross. As often as she can, she goes up to that line and tries to talk to people in other cells. Sometimes they respond and sometimes they don’t. Often, all Lisa Jo has to keep her company is an old worn-out Bible.
Navigate the Solitude
On the weekend, Lisa Jo Chamberlin doesn’t get any time outside of her cell. For two days, she is not allowed to shower, make any phone calls, stretch her legs or attempt to communicate with anyone. In these moments, silence can only be broken by the echoes bouncing off the walls.
Daily, Lisa Jo Chamberlin is largely closed off from all of humanity. Lisa Jo has less privileges than any other prisoner. The reason is simple, she is the only woman on death row in Mississippi. Unlike the men sentenced to death, there is nobody else that fits her restrictions. So, all Lisa Jo can do is navigate the solitude as best she can. Sometimes, she is successful. Sometimes, she is not.
Lisa Jo Can Only Go Outside Alone
Haunted by her own thoughts and circumstance, Lisa Jo Chamberlin has experienced various psychotic breaks. How could you not? There is nobody to properly treat any psychiatric episodes. There is only Lisa Jo and her mind. The loneliness gnaws at her brain.
It’s been a considerable amount of time since Lisa Jo Chamberlin went outside. She’s been told the only day that she gets to go outside is on Wednesdays. But most of the time, there are not enough guards to facilitate Lisa Jo being outside. The reason is that the entire yard must be cleared. Lisa Jo can only go outside alone.
If Lisa Jo Chamberlin ever needs to go to the medical clinic, the prison is required to clear out the clinic. Lisa Jo can only be seen alone. If there is any medical crisis, there is no one to help her through it. She survives based on her own will to live.
Left Alone To Go Crazy
It’s been years since Lisa Jo Chamberlin was allowed to attend any type of religious service. Lisa Jo is left to wrestle with her spirituality alone. Fellowship only exists with the occasional rodent to pass her way.
Let there be no doubt, Lisa Joe Chamberlin’s crime was awful. However, ours is too. Day in and day out, the State of Mississippi tortures Lisa Jo. I often say that torture says far more about the torturer than the tortured. Lisa Jo Chamberlin shouldn’t be left alone to go crazy. No one should.
If you feel led, join us in advocating for Lisa Jo Chamberlin to be upgraded from solitary confinement. Send a message to the Mississippi Department of Corrections here:
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