A resignation letter lands on the desk of the state corrections chief

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky led a letter dated May 21, 2026, calling for Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi E. Washington to step down. The letter cites at least four deaths in state prison facilities over the past month and argues that Washington’s leadership cannot deliver the reforms the system needs.

The push comes as Washington and senior MDOC staff have been on site this week at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Washtenaw County, according to a press update from the department.

Four deaths, two at one facility

The lawmaker letter names four inmates whose deaths have drawn public attention:

  • Khaira Howard, who died May 13 at Women’s Huron Valley
  • Rebecca Fackler, who died May 17 at Women’s Huron Valley
  • Colton Mitchell, who died April 15 at Chippewa Correctional Facility
  • Devin Hurst, who died April 23 at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center

The letter states that significant policy and culture change is needed within MDOC. It claims that change cannot and will not occur under Washington’s leadership.

The department’s response

MDOC said Washington and senior custody and medical staff are observing health care units and day-to-day operations to ensure procedures are followed and a consistent standard of care is provided, according to the department’s press update.

The department also announced that additional clinical leaders have been brought in. A new health care staffing plan is being developed, including enhanced nursing management.

Washington and the department’s medical director met on May 22 with stakeholders, lawmakers, and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to provide updates and answer questions. The department said more briefings will be held as new developments occur.

Former inmates say they saw it coming

Sara Edwards, a former inmate at Women’s Huron Valley, told ClickOnDetroit she was heartbroken but not surprised to learn of Fackler’s death. Edwards cited poor conditions and delays in medical care at the prison, according to the report.

What happens next

The primary election in Michigan is August 4, 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. Lawmakers who signed the resignation letter have not announced whether they will pursue legislative action beyond the letter.

MDOC has not responded to requests for comment on the specific claims in the Pohutsky letter beyond its initial press update.

The letter says significant policy and culture change is needed within MDOC and claims that change cannot and will not occur under Washington’s leadership.

The stakes are clear for Detroit and the rest of the state. The MDOC oversees more than 100,000 incarcerated individuals across Michigan. The department’s health care decisions, staffing levels, and oversight practices directly affect public safety and taxpayer spending.

State budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are underway in Lansing. Corrections funding and oversight could become part of those debates, according to legislative sources.