BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A nurse previously employed at an Alabama jail is set to become the sixth individual to enter a guilty plea linked to the tragic death of a mentally ill man who succumbed to hypothermia after being kept nude in a concrete cell.

The nurse, identified as Daniel Wyers, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge for violating civil rights under the color of law. According to the documents from the plea agreement, federal prosecutors revealed that Wyers neglected to provide necessary medical care to Tony Mitchell due to his belief that Mitchell was unworthy and out of fear regarding potential repercussions from the prevailing culture at the jail.

Wyers was employed by a medical contractor responsible for healthcare services at the Walker County jail and worked multiple shifts during the time Mitchell was held there, prosecutors indicated. Alongside Wyers, five other jail employees have also chosen to plead guilty in connection to this case.

No statements were made by Wyers’ attorney regarding the case.

The tragic incident occurred on January 26, 2023, when Mitchell was transferred from the Walker County jail to a hospital emergency room. The subsequent death certificate attributed his death to hypothermia and sepsis resulting from medical neglect.

Mitchell, aged 33, was taken into custody on January 12 after a family member requested a welfare check. At that time, the sheriff’s office reported that he had been exhibiting unusual behavior, including talking about portals to hell and claiming he had discharged a firearm at officers. When Mitchell arrived at the jail, he appeared disoriented, struggled with mobility, and had his face painted blue, as noted in the plea agreement.

Upon his arrival, Mitchell was placed in a concrete cell, often referred to as the jail’s “drunk tank,” which is notoriously cold, especially during winter months. The state of the cell was described in the plea agreement as having a floor that was even colder than the average air temperature.

The plea agreement further details that Wyers did not conduct a mental health assessment of Mitchell, despite such an evaluation being requested by the jail’s nurse practitioner. Additionally, Wyers failed to take any actions to ensure that Mitchell, who was left naked in the frigid cell without bedding, received appropriate care and attention.