“Cajun Coolers” Being Used to Ease Hot Conditions on Death Row

The State of Louisiana has spent more than $1 million to fight the legal battle over hot conditions on death row at Angola.
The lawsuit claims three death row inmates are exposed to dangerous heat levels in the cells at the state penitentiary.

The case has been going on for more than 3 years. Prison officials now say they may have found a low tech solution that will only cost about $2,000. This remedy will avoid the need to install an air conditioning system that would cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Serial killer Nathaniel Code of Shreveport is one of the inmates involved in the lawsuit.

The Advocate reports the "Cajun Coolers" have been used on death row for the past six weeks.

So what is a "cajun cooler"? It's a combination of fans, ice chests and a duct that will send cool air into the cells at death row. Right now, corrections officials are using this on a trial basis to bring some relief.

The inmates also get ice chest filled with ice and a daily cold shower.

Federal Judge Brian Jackson of Baton Rouge tells the newspaper it's "maddening" that, after three years of litigation and more than $1 million in legal fees, the state may have found ways — including so-called low-tech Cajun coolers — to reduce sweltering heat indexes on Angola's death row and bring relief to several ailing condemned killers for a mere $2,000.

Another hearing on this case is scheduled for August 22nd.