16 Arizona Corrections Workers Disciplined in Inmate's Death

PHOENIX – Sixteen Arizona corrections employees have been fired, suspended or otherwise disciplined for their role in the death of inmate at the Perryville prison in Goodyear.

The moves were announced at a news conference late Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities say 48-year-old Marcia Powell collapsed in triple-digit heat after spending four hours in an outdoor holding cell May 20, and died of a heat-related illness.

Powell had first- and second-degree burns on her face and body and a core body temperature of 108 degrees.

Under the prison's internal policy, Powell should have been removed from the cell after two hours.

Powell was serving a 27-month sentence for prostitution.