At 84 years old, Anthony Martinez is nearly blind and deaf. He can no longer walk on his own and his kidneys are failing. He struggles to write his own name, his niece says, a sign of brain deterioration after more than 30 years in prison.
And though he seemingly poses little threat to anyone, he remains confined at Sterling Correctional Facility, among those at highest risk of falling victim to COVID-19, which has sickened hundreds of his fellow inmates and killing six at the northeast Colorado prison.
“I’m afraid the first time I see my uncle is going to be at his funeral,” said his niece, Kelly Brasier, who has been working to secure his early release.