Our family is heartbroken and devastated as we face a tragedy we never imagined. My brother, Princeo Brooks, was serving his time at Greensville Correctional Center in Virginia and was set to come home soon, less than a year away from reuniting with his family. He never made it home.

In the middle of the night, Princeo was attacked and murdered by his cellmate. The prison is severely understaffed and unsafe, and because of that negligence, my brother lost his life. Instead of being taken to a hospital or receiving emergency care, he was never transported and was pronounced deceased over a phone call, something that is not proper protocol for an unresponsive patient. The prison provided our family with no information beyond the fact that he had passed away.

We found out the details of the attack, the cruel and violent way our loved one died, from a news article. Not from the people responsible for his safety. No family should have to learn about their loved one’s murder on the internet.

Now we are left with the painful task of trying to bring Princeo home from out of state and give him the respectful, dignified burial he deserves. Our family is struggling financially with the unexpected costs of transporting his body and covering funeral expenses. We are asking for help to raise money to cover the expenses of transporting him home and lay him to rest properly.

Princeo leaves behind a 9-year-old son who doesn’t fully understand that his father is gone forever. He only knows that the man who loved him more than anything will never walk through the door again.

My brother was a fun, energetic soul with a heart full of love. He was always smiling, always trying to make someone laugh, and always wanting to help his community. Family meant everything to him. He deserved to come home alive. He deserved better than what happened to him.

If you are able, any donation no matter the amount will help us bring him home and give him the farewell he deserves. If you cannot give, please share this fundraiser so it can reach others.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support during the most difficult time of our lives.

— The Family of Princeo Brooks