Three women on Arizona’s death row were temporarily transferred from a lower-security housing unit to more restrictive confinement this month, prompting complaints about living conditions and concerns over the impact on their mental health.
The women, who had spent years living in a moderate-security setting while their appeals continued, were later returned to their previous housing after the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) reviewed the situation.
Transfer
The three women on Arizona’s death row are Wendi Andriano, Shawna Forde, and Sammantha Uriarte.
According to the inmates, they had been living in the Lumley Unit at Perryville Prison, where they were allowed to work, participate in prison programs, and spend portions of the day outside their cells.
They said they were informed in June that they would be moved to a higher-security housing unit with significantly more restrictions.
Housing
Before the transfer, all three women had received low internal risk classifications from ADCRR and had accumulated relatively few disciplinary infractions.
Each had taken part in prison work or support programs.
| Inmate | Prison Activities |
|---|---|
| Wendi Andriano | Peer support counselor and math tutor |
| Shawna Forde | Haircuts, literacy tutoring, yoga instruction |
| Sammantha Uriarte | Peer support counselor and arts programs |
The women said the previous housing arrangement allowed them greater interaction with other inmates while awaiting the outcome of their appeals.
Complaints
The inmates described the higher-security unit as having fewer privileges and more difficult living conditions.
They said they spent considerably more time confined to their cells and had limited opportunities to participate in work assignments or recreational activities.
The women also raised concerns about the physical condition of the housing unit and the impact the transfer had on their daily routines.
Investigation
According to the inmates, the transfer followed concerns raised by another prisoner who questioned why death row inmates were living in a less restrictive setting.
The Arizona Mirror reported that the women believed the complaint contributed to the housing change.
ADCRR has not publicly confirmed the reason for the transfer.
Response
The women contacted their attorneys and raised concerns about the move.
The Arizona Mirror also sought information from the Arizona Department of Corrections regarding the housing decision.
According to the inmates, ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell later visited Perryville Prison and reviewed the situation.
Shortly afterward, all three women were returned to their previous housing assignment.
Statement
Following the housing change, ADCRR acknowledged that the matter had been reviewed.
In a statement, the department said:
“Director Thornell was made aware this week, the issue was looked into and promptly addressed. An investigation into the matter is underway.”
The department did not provide additional details about why the women had been transferred or the status of the ongoing investigation.
The temporary housing change has drawn attention to how Arizona manages inmates on death row who have lower security classifications while their legal appeals continue. Although the three women have returned to their previous housing, ADCRR says the circumstances surrounding the transfer remain under investigation.
