Justus Holmes entered prison a healthy 24-year-old man. Today, he is a shell of that person—losing weight rapidly, unable to properly use his body, and begging for medical help that has yet to come.

Justus is currently incarcerated at Coxsackie Correctional Facility, but his medical crisis began earlier during his time at Auburn Correctional Facility—where the first signs of his condition were reported and, ultimately, ignored.

While at Auburn, Justus began experiencing alarming symptoms: severe intestinal distress, an inability to pass stool, and episodes where he lost feeling in his legs. These are not minor complaints—they are clear warning signs of a potentially serious and life-threatening condition. After being transferred to Coxsackie, those symptoms did not improve. They worsened.

He has filed sick calls. He has submitted grievances. His family has called, advocated, and pleaded for intervention.

Still, nothing meaningful has been done.

This is not a story of delayed care. This is a story of ignored suffering.

When someone is incarcerated, the state assumes full responsibility for their well-being. That includes medical care. Denying or delaying that care—especially in the face of worsening, potentially life-threatening symptoms—is not just neglect. It is a violation of basic human rights.

The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. But what do we call it when a man’s body deteriorates in custody while his cries for help go unanswered?

Justus Holmes is not invisible. He is not disposable. He is someone’s son.

And right now, his life may depend on whether the system finally decides to see him.

If we allow this to continue—if we accept silence over accountability—then we are all complicit.

The question is no longer whether something is wrong.

The question is: Who will act before it’s too late?

“ I’ve called Albany, I have filed many complaints. My son has put in grievances and sick call requests. They ignore him and pass us along with no help, they lie to us! They are killing my son!”

• Barbara Holmes ( Mother of Justus Holmes)