Mark Holdren Pleads Guilty in Inmate Death

Mark Holdren, a former correctional officer in West Virginia, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation related to the death of inmate Quantez Burks, who died less than 24 hours after being booked into the Southern Regional Jail in March 2022. Holdren admitted to conspiring with other officers to assault Burks, who was restrained at the time, and acknowledged that the assault occurred in a room without surveillance cameras to avoid detection. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about excessive force and accountability within correctional facilities, prompting calls for reform from civil rights advocates. Holdren faces a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing yet to be scheduled. Two other officers are also set for sentencing in January 2025 for failing to intervene during the assault, while three remaining defendants will go to trial in December. The case has drawn significant scrutiny regarding conditions and treatment within the West Virginia correctional system.