Third Death in Four Weeks Rocks Bedford Hills Women’s Prison

This week’s death, which incarcerated people and advocates described as a suicide, comes at a time of turmoil in the facility.

Early Wednesday morning, 60-year-old Manuela “Mannie” Morgado was found dead in her unit at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in an apparent suicide, according to people incarcerated with her and local advocates.

Pamela Smart, incarcerated with Morgado, said she watched in disbelief as staff attempted to resuscitate her longtime friend. “I watched the whole heartbreaking thing, but there was nothing they could do. … I will never forget how blue her feet were,” Smart told New York Focus over the prison messaging service.