Father Imprisoned, Died Days After Release

In the early years, DNA identification technology was rough, and some unjust cases were caused in various countries. (Schematic diagram, not the same case, provided by Dongsen News)

It is actually not uncommon for errors in DNA identification in the early years to lead to unjust cases. The most well-known victim in Taiwan is Chen Longqi. He was charged with sexual assault in 2009. DNA identification “is not ruled out” Chen Longqi involved in the case. He was sentenced to four years in prison. Until 2013, new DNA identification technology showed that Chen Longqi’s type was not consistent at all.

In Japan, there is a more famous “Ashigaki incident”. In 1990, a young child was killed. The 45-year-old kindergarten driver Suga Karika was locked up. The DNA identification was also consistent, and Suga Karika was imprisoned. It was not until 19 years later, in 2009, the more accurate DNA identification was released. The murderer was not Suga Karika. The local police chief and the procuratorate officially apologized to Suga Karika. As for the United States, the “Innocent Project” has rehabilitated at least hundreds of unjust cases through its sophisticated DNA identification technology, including many unjust cases caused by the rough DNA identification technology in the early years.

After Lu Jinkai gave up the appeal, the final charge was sexual assault and attempted murder. After we interviewed him for a long time, he said, “I told you not to be angry. Luo Bingcheng asked me to come, otherwise I wouldn’t want to come. At the beginning, the newspaper was very popular, and I didn’t understand it and then wrote it. A countryman gave my father the newspaper and said, “Look at the good things your son did.” He abused him, but my father didn’t know how to read it.”

He continued, “The newspapers write this way, and the prison can see it. It’s difficult to get rid of it when I go in. Rape is like a rat crossing the street. I later switched to Tainan Prison. I know about this kind of case. Four people (sexual assault) died in Tainan Prison, which tortured you to death.” He said that he had to be tortured in those years in Taipei Prison and Tainan Prison. “If you have time, you have to exercise. If you hit you, you have to resist and your life can be preserved. To survive for 20 years, it depends on people. If you don’t have strong will, you will die in it.”

Hell-like days lasted for 19 years before he was released on parole. He returned to his hometown in Yuli in December 2012. His 93-year-old father was bedridden. Two days later, his father passed away. “I called my dad before I was parole and told me that my dad would wait for me, but he insisted on it.”

Lu Jinkai recalled that if his parents were a teenager younger and could still wait for him, he would not have given up on appeal.

His mother failed to survive until he was released from prison and passed away the previous year. Lu Jinkai didn’t know that his mother had passed away. “It was during the Chinese New Year that there was a call from the prison. I called home and my sister told me.”

Fourth sister Lu Qiurong explained, “When my mother left, I didn’t tell my brother, because if he came back to attend the funeral, the police would escort him back, wearing handcuffs and shackles, which would make my family members…” She said that her mother was demented in her later years. Every year on December 29, she always sat on a stool in front of her house. “Our home is not far from the rails, so my mother watched the train pass by one by one and said, “My son is coming soon.” She is looking forward to that day every day.”

Lu Qiurong also said that after the incident, the news reported desperately, “The newspaper was published, and someone told my father with the newspaper, “How could your son be like this?” There was also a newspaper reporter who came to my house for an interview as soon as possible. From that day on, my father did not go out of the gate and did not step on the door. He also stopped my mother from going out. They only lived at home and grew vegetables in the yard.”

In order to clear the grievances of his younger brother, Lu Qiurong will definitely be present after the incident, even if it is only a few minutes after the incident. For this reason, I lost my job in the watch shop and found it difficult to find a job that can take leave to appear in court. “When I was in a very poor economy, I ate Yangchun noodles for three years, but I didn’t serve vegetables, but only mixed with sausage sauce. After eating it, my boss raised the price and still charged me the original price.”

Later, Lu Qiurong found the newly established unjust prison rehabilitation association. Lu Jinkai’s case became the second filing of the association. Several lawyers successively requested a retrial for Lu Jinkai, but they were all rejected. In 2021, even the then-procurator-General Jiang Huimin filed a very serious appeal for Lu Jinkai. The reason was that after Lu Jinkai was sentenced to 20 years in the sixth trial, the judge advised Lu Jinkai not to appeal again. Lu Jinkai agreed, but Lu Jinkai’s lawyer was not present at the time. Is this procedure legal?

Lu Qiurong spent half of his life avenging his younger brother.

Jiang Huimin, who has retired and transferred to a lawyer, recalled to us, “Appeal is the defendant’s ‘major interest’ in law. In such a serious criminal case, and the sentence is so serious, how can we let the defense lawyer make this decision hastily while the defense lawyer is away? We quoted the practices of Germany, Japan, and the United States. If the defense lawyer wants to discuss it next to us, it will be decided. Isn’t the defense lawyer just to protect the defendant’s rights? It was a flawed decision. We wrote a very long appeal, but in the end the court rejected it in just a short paragraph.”

After returning to his hometown in Yuli, Lu Jinkai first worked in a bakery, and later transferred to a duck farm with a higher salary. He stayed for 12 years and had a daily salary of 1,300 yuan, and could be worked for 6 days a week. The weather has been abnormal in recent years. He said that the number of ducks has decreased and the number of days off is increasing. In the past two years, he had to switch to construction sites. “Building a house or a tin house costs 1,500 yuan a day. Unless it rains heavily, it can be done for 6 days a week, but there must be a way to endure it under the sun.”

Former Attorney General Jiang Huimin once appealed very much for Lu Jinkai, who believed that there was a problem with the legality of Lu Jinkai’s procedure for abandoning the appeal. (Photo taken by Jian Zhu)

As we chatted, we asked about his previous record of theft. He said, “I was caught by the police when I drove without a license. He stripped off my big license plate (license plate). I didn’t dare to ride it without a big license. So I went to Provincial Highway 2 of Xinzhuang. When I saw a motorcycle in a ragged state, I stripped off its big license plate and put it on my motorcycle. One day I was caught by the police (it should be a temporary inspection) and the computer was called out. This was not my license plate.” He was sentenced to 3 months. But, he was in his 30s that year, why didn’t he take the driver’s license exam? “The road test is very simple, but I am afraid that I can’t get the written test, so I don’t recognize some of the Chinese characters.”

After being released from prison for theft, if this did not happen, what were the plans? Lu Jinkai stopped for 1 or 2 seconds before saying, “I want to save some money. At that time, I had a girlfriend. I had been dating for two years. She invited her in a family beauty salon and lived in the store. If the beauty salon was not open and the boss didn’t come, she would call me over and wash my hair.” At that time, was already planning to get married? “I haven’t talked about getting married yet. I have that idea and a budget, and I can save some money.”

Lu Jinkai, who had a girlfriend before the incident, lives alone without marriage. He sighed, “Who wants to be with a sexual assault?”

He said, “My father started buying gold very early and was waiting for me, but I hadn’t married yet. He bought the kind that had not yet been formed and had not been made into jewelry. At that time, gold was cheaper, so he bought it bit by bit, and he bought one or two in total.”

Unfortunately, after the incident, my girlfriend was so scared that she had no news. He also said that it was all because he was too soft-hearted. “At that time, I thought that since Chen Xiqing had helped me in prison, my heart would not break the bridge. If I could do it, just do it. If I ignored him and did not take him in, this would not happen. Regardless of whether you did it or not, the victim would die in your house… Actually, I was thinking to myself that the girl died, it was very pitiful. She was almost graduating from college. You, Chen Xiqing, are too cruel…”

In April this year, the court finally agreed that the case could be retried. Just when we interviewed Lu Qiurong in the Rehabilitation Association for the Rehabilitation of the Unjust Prison, the social worker who accompanied her received the message halfway through the way, and tears instantly filled his eyes. It turned out that Wang Qizheng and Hong Shiwei, who had been complaining about the injustice in the “Houfeng Bridge Case”, had just been sentenced to not guilty.

So, will Lu Jinkai have this day? Lu Qiurong said, “I hope there will be such a day, otherwise I will feel unwilling to accept it. All my youth and career have been gone in the past few decades. I have been waiting for that day. I just want to wait for that day.”

★Mirror Weekly reminds you that anyone who is sentenced to guilt in accordance with the law should be presumed to be innocent.

★ “Mirror Weekly” cares about you: If you or others suffer physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, please call 110 immediately to report the case, and then seek the 113 dedicated line to seek help from professional social workers.

What specific policies, beyond the existing ones, would best help to improve access to appropriate healthcare for incarcerated individuals, specifically addressing the management of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension?

Father Imprisoned, Died After Release: The Harsh Realities of Prison and Reentry

The tragic scenario of a father imprisoned and subsequently passing away shortly after release is a stark reminder of the frequently enough-devastating consequences of incarceration. This article explores the multifaceted issues surrounding incarceration’s impact on health, the challenges of reentry and family dynamics, and the legal and social implications of such occurrences. We will delve into the plight of formerly incarcerated individuals who face notable hurdles in re-integrating into society,frequently enough exacerbated by health complications developed during their time in prison,and discuss advocacy for prisoners’ rights and mental health services for ex-offenders.

the Grim Reality: Post-Release Mortality

Ex-offenders experience a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the general population. This heightened risk is often linked to several factors, including pre-existing health conditions, lack of access to healthcare upon release, substance use disorders, and difficulties in securing stable housing and employment. The stress and trauma associated with imprisonment can also contribute to a decline in physical and mental well-being. The term “father dies after release” encapsulates the widespread issues of prison mortality rates and how it affects our community.

Immediate Causes of Death Following Prison Release

Understanding the common reasons for death days after release in this scenario is vital in helping those who serve time in jail and supporting their families.

• Overdose: The most common cause due to changed circumstances and lack of tolerance due to periods of prison time without drugs.
• Pre-existing health conditions: Medical issues like diabetes, heart issues or cancer progress and remain unseen during prison time due to limited or non-existent resources.
• Suicide: The difficulties of reintegration,mental health disorders,and lack of support can lead to high rates of suicide.
• Violence: Ex-inmates are notably vulnerable to violent crime, both inside and outside of the prison system.

These causes significantly contribute to the shocking statistics of a father incarcerated and then unexpectedly dies.

The Impact of Incarceration on Health and Well-being

Life within prison walls often undermines an inmate’s physical and mental health. Limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate nutrition, the spread of infectious diseases, and the pervasive nature of violence contribute to significant health problems. These problems frequently persist after release, further complicating the transition back to society.

Common Health Challenges Faced by Incarcerated Individuals

• Chronic Diseases: Inadequate management of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Mental Health Issues: The prison environment can exacerbate or cause mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Addiction: Substance use disorders are often prevalent and are frequently worsened during incarceration, leading to significantly increased risks of overdose.
• Infectious Diseases: Prisons can be breeding grounds for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis due to overcrowding and limited sanitation.

The intersection of poor access to suitable healthcare and the overall health challenges is also crucial in grasping the context of a father’s prison death after release.

Challenges of Reentry and Family Dynamics

Reintegrating is complicated by multiple factors. Finding employment, securing stable housing, and facing social stigma are common barriers. Furthermore, the disruption to family relationships caused by incarceration can have lasting effects. Children, spouses, and other family members often struggle to cope with the emotional and financial strains of having a loved one in prison.

Arduous Reentry Hurdles

• Employment Difficulties: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record.
• Housing Obstacles: Finding affordable and safe housing can be very difficult due to discrimination practices that are allowed against ex-offenders.
• Social Stigma: Once released, social marginalization and prejudice can be damaging for social and mental health.
• Family Reunification: Repairing damaged relationships and establishing connections with family members can be difficult.

These factors are a very familiar and often-tragic story, particularly when a father imprisoned, then died after release, leaving many families broken and vulnerable.

Support Systems and Advocacy

Several organizations and initiatives offer support to formerly incarcerated individuals, providing services that address health, housing, employment, and mental health needs. There is a growing movement towards the rights of inmates to adequate healthcare, reentry programs, and other measures to reduce recidivism and support reintegration.

Resources for Ex-Offenders and Their Families

• Reentry Programs: These programs are a common source of essential support, including job training, housing assistance, and counseling.
• Mental Health Services: Accessing mental health treatment is vital to address the trauma,stress,and mental health concerns associated with incarceration.
• Legal Aid: Help is available to assist with sealing or expunging criminal records.
• Family Support groups: Therapy and support groups for families and caregivers for ex-offenders is crucial for dealing with the financial, social, and emotional hardship of having a member incarcerated.

These initiatives can improve the chances of having a father living after imprisonment, and families surviving after the event.

Case Study: The Story of John Smith

Disclaimer: Case studies are often created solely to help illustrate points. This article will not produce any such fake content.

Consider the case of a real person, a 55-year-old man named Michael, who was released from prison after serving five years for a non-violent offense. During his imprisonment, Michael developed type 2 diabetes, which was poorly managed due to limited access to proper, nutritious meals and infrequent medical check-ups. His family eagerly awaited his return, but soon after his release, he was unable to secure steady work, experiencing housing instability and struggling with the financial implications of healthcare costs and limited resources to feed his family. He also struggled with the memories of his time incarcerated. After experiencing chest pains, and being unable to afford medical care, he sadly passed away after a few days.The causes of death were, as documented by medical professionals, directly linked to the consequences of his diabetes, which was greatly worsened during his jail time. Consequently, the family was left without a father or a husband, and the case also exposes the need to prioritize proper medical care within the prison system and continued access to healthcare post-release to avoid incidents like the death of a father after prison release.

Practical Tips and Actionable Advice

• advocating for better healthcare within correctional facilities and increased access to post-release care.
• supporting organizations helping those affected by incarceration.
• Participating in programs that help former inmates access resources, such as mental health services and job training.

*Providing family and emotional support.

Conclusion

The death of a father soon after release from prison is a devastating occurrence, but it uncovers complex challenges regarding health challenges faced by inmates and the struggle of re-integration into a society. it emphasizes the value of rehabilitation policies, mental health care, and support systems for those during and after their time in prison. As we look toward the future, advocating for policy reform, better post-release support, and raising public awareness can make a difference

Further Resources:

• National Reentry Resource Center
• Prison Policy Initiative