Joyce Kelly has filed a lawsuit that brings to light a harrowing incident at the Dixon Correctional Institute, demanding accountability for the tragic death of her son. On November 4, 2025, Joyce Kelly filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against E. Dustin Bickham, the Warden of Dixon Correctional Institute.
The case revolves around Cornelius Kelly, who was incarcerated at Dixon Correctional Institute and met a violent end due to alleged negligence by prison authorities. According to the complaint, Joyce Kelly accuses Warden E. Dustin Bickham of failing to protect her son from known threats within the prison environment. Cornelius Kelly was reportedly involved in an altercation with fellow inmates Joseph Constance, Terrell Holmes, Arsenio Wells, and Taylor Williams on November 4, 2024. Despite this incident signaling an increased risk to his safety, he was not placed under protective segregation. The following day, Cornelius was fatally stabbed by Joseph Constance in the prison yard.
Joyce Kelly’s lawsuit asserts that Bickham exhibited “deliberate indifference” towards her son’s safety and constitutional rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. She claims that Bickham’s failure to act on known risks led directly to her son’s death and violated his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The complaint highlights multiple counts against Bickham: failure to train and supervise subordinates adequately, deliberate indifference to providing a safe environment for inmates, and negligent conduct resulting in injury and death.
In seeking justice for her son’s untimely demise, Joyce Kelly is asking for compensatory and punitive damages from Bickham both individually and officially as Warden. She also seeks reasonable attorney fees under federal statutes alongside all associated legal costs. Her legal representation is being provided by Gary N. Boutwell II and Lawrence J. Ingraffia from Kleinpeter | Boutwell law firm based in Baton Rouge.
This poignant case underscores systemic issues within correctional facilities regarding inmate safety and oversight responsibilities held by those in charge like Warden Bickham at Dixon Correctional Institute. It calls into question whether sufficient measures are being taken within such institutions nationwide when it comes down ensuring prisoner welfare amidst potentially volatile conditions behind bars.
The attorneys representing Joyce Kelly are Gary N. Boutwell II (#22739) and Lawrence J. Ingraffia (#40830). The case is being overseen by Judge SDD-RLB with Case ID: 3:25-cv-01014-SDD-RLB.
Source: 325cv1014_Joyce_Kelly_v_Dustin_Bickham_Complaint_Middle_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
