Atmore prison shutting down

Department of corrections says it will accelerate plans to close Holman and will keep death row open

The Alabama Department of Corrections announced Monday it will accelerate the closure of the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore with plans to transfer an estimated 617 inmates to other correctional facilities.

ADOC said modifications will be made to house death row inmates and maintain the death chamber inside the prison. Prison officials gave no time frame for the "decommission" of the Atmore prison, citing safety and security issues.

State Sen. Greg Albritton said the closure of the current Holman Prison is not tied to Gov. Kay Ivey's plans to build three new state prisons in...