Full Breakdown
Death of Transgender Woman Kalena “Peaches” Croskey Highlights Alleged Neglect at Birmingham City Jail
6/18/2026, 11:57:14 PM
Fatal Incident at Birmingham City Jail
Kalena “Peaches” Croskey, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman, was found unresponsive during a routine check at Birmingham City Jail on Thursday and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three days later, a 35-year-old male inmate who had attempted suicide was placed on suicide watch and subsequently died after hospital transfer.
Background & Context: Jail Conditions
TAKE Resource Center, a local trans-advocacy group, reported chronic deficiencies at the facility, including inmate bullying, limited specialty medication, missed medical appointments, inedible food, pest infestations, broken windows, and lack of air conditioning. The organization linked these conditions to the recent deaths.
Timeline of Recent Events
April 21 – Croskey entered the jail on charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief, and two counts of third-degree assault. Thursday – Croskey was found unresponsive and declared dead. Sunday – A male inmate attempted suicide, was placed on suicide watch, and died after hospital transfer. City officials released a preliminary review in the following days; the Birmingham Police Department opened a separate investigation; the coroner’s office has not yet issued a cause of death.
Data & Statistics
Croskey was 32; the second inmate was 35. The jail recorded two deaths within a three-day period. Croskey’s charges included disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief, and two counts of third-degree assault.
Official Statements & Responses
City officials said a preliminary review found jail staff followed established procedures in both deaths. The Birmingham Police Department announced a separate investigation. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has not released cause-of-death findings.
Criticism & Opposition
TAKE Resource Center described the deaths as evidence of systemic neglect, emphasizing inadequate mental-health resources, medication gaps, and environmental hazards that “continue to cost lives.” The group asserted that “this loss is not accidental.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
City officials maintain procedural compliance, while TAKE Resource Center contends the loss was not accidental and attributes it to neglect. The coroner’s office has not issued a definitive cause of death, leaving a factual gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She brought light, laughter, and joy into every space she entered,” — TAKE Resource Center
- “This loss is not accidental,” — TAKE Resource Center
- “Despite living with untreated mental illness and having to navigate this world alone in your trans identity, you still managed to bring so many people joy,” — Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, founder and executive director, TAKE Resource Center
- “The love you had for me is something I can’t fully put into words. Once again, a system has failed you.” — Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, founder and executive director, TAKE Resource Center
What’s Next
The Birmingham Police Department’s investigation and the pending coroner’s report will determine cause of death. Advocacy groups have called for independent oversight and reforms to mental-health services and facility conditions.
