Juneteenth memorial planned for transgender woman who died in the Birmingham City Jail
Kalena “Peaches” Croskey, 32, was one of two people who died at the jail in a span of three days.
Mason Reed 
The TAKE Resource Center, a transgender advocacy organization, is set to honor the life of Kalena “Peaches” Croskey this Saturday with a dedicated balloon sendoff memorial. Croskey, 32, passed away while in custody at the Birmingham City Jail.
A Tragic Loss in Custody
According to Deputy Jefferson County Coroner Matt Angelo, Croskey was found unresponsive during a routine check last Thursday afternoon. Despite immediate attempts by jail staff to provide medical assistance and resuscitation, she was declared dead at the scene.
Birmingham Deputy Chief of Public Safety Carlton Peeples reported that Croskey had been housed in the facility for approximately 51 days following an April 21 booking on charges that included disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief, and two counts of third-degree assault. Peeples stated that her death resulted from a “self-harm incident.”
Advocacy and Investigation
In a public statement, the TAKE Resource Center described the death as “not accidental,” citing a broader pattern of negligence. “It is a tragic reminder of the failures within the carceral system,” the group noted, highlighting concerns regarding mental health resources and systemic shortcomings.
The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating both Croskey’s death and the death of another 35-year-old inmate who passed away three days later. Authorities confirmed that the second individual, a Center Point resident booked on June 13, was also involved in a “self-harm incident” just hours after being returned from UAB Hospital and placed on suicide watch. Deputy Chief Peeples maintained that a preliminary review shows jail staff followed established protocols in both instances.
Community Response
The situation has sparked heightened tensions in Birmingham. Earlier this week, local activist Eric Hall was arrested at City Hall while demanding a meeting with Mayor Randall Woodfin to address the fatalities. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan has since called for a full assessment of staffing levels and correctional oversight at the jail.
Long-standing issues regarding the facility have persisted for years. An ongoing federal lawsuit continues to allege inhumane conditions and neglect at the city jail, dating back to 2022. For over two decades, local officials have sought alternatives to the aging structure, including proposals for regional facilities, though no permanent solution has been implemented.
Memorial Details
Community members are invited to gather for the memorial on June 20 at 2:30 p.m. at 7128 Oporto Madrid Boulevard South. As noted in a Facebook post from TAKE, attendees are encouraged to bring a white or gold balloon to honor Croskey’s spirit.
