Hamer found himself behind bars due to a probation violation stemming from a theft conviction eight years ago. His offense? Failing to return rental movies and video games from Redbox in 2016. As per court records, he was initially sentenced to 115 months, with 19 months to be served. The loss of Hamer has left his family grief-stricken, seeking answers and calling for justice.
The doctors at a nearby hospital determined that his brain injuries were too severe to be treated surgically. Judy Hamer, his aunt who had been his caretaker prior to his imprisonment, faced the challenging decision of taking him off life support after he spent 17 days in the hospital. Sadly, he passed away on November 23.
Ms. Hamer tearfully recalled the horrifying moment when she saw the extent of the injuries on his face. “His face was completely battered. I couldn’t hold back my emotions. I tried to stay strong, but I just couldn’t help it,” she said.
At least three suspects, and potentially a fourth, have been identified by authorities in the death of Hamer. Ms. Hamer has received information suggesting that an officer may have granted the attackers entry to her nephew’s dormitory, although the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has not yet verified any charges connected to his demise.
” Inmate Joshua Joseph Hamer was admitted to UAB Hospital on November 6, 2024, for life-threatening injuries sustained in an inmate assault. He was pronounced deceased by an attending physician,” an ADOC spokeswoman told an Appleseed journalist.
A Life Marked by Struggles and Redemption Attempts
Hamer faced challenges with addiction and encountered legal issues, but he held onto the aspiration of transforming his life. He possessed exceptional electrical skills and had secured a construction position in Huntsville. Moreover, he took on the role of a father to a 20-year-old son and two younger children.
The day before he was fatally attacked, he reached out to his aunt, requesting $50 to repay a debt. Ms. Hamer believes that his death might be related to that specific request.
” What bothers me is, what are they gonna do about it?” she asked. ” I don’t want his killer walking around thinking, ‘I got away with this.'”
The family’s concerns are valid. In Alabama prisons, incidents of inmate assaults often go unnoticed and without consequences, exemplified by the tragic case of Daniel Terry Williams. Williams was killed on the very day he was supposed to be released, and his murder remains unsolved.
Sentenced Over Redbox Rentals
Hamer had a criminal record that consisted of drug-related offenses and property crimes. He was sent to prison because he failed to return Redbox movies and game discs, which added up to a total of $7,124.19. Interestingly, Redbox filed for bankruptcy in June 2024, over a year after Hamer’s probation was revoked.
In September 2021, he was arrested for drug possession, which ultimately led to his imprisonment. Additionally, he failed to pay fees and report to his probation officer. Earlier this year, he appealed to a Madison County judge, expressing his newfound faith and determination to turn his life around. Unfortunately, his requests to have his probation reinstated were denied.
Just 41 days before his fatal beating, he wrote again, complaining that the prison was “so overcrowded it’s awful, and I’m in here for not returning Redbox games and movies.” His call for assistance remained unanswered.
Now, the family is left grappling with grief and frustration, hoping that justice will finally be served.
