
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains names and descriptions of people who have died.
In the early morning of January 2, 2020, prison staff found Veronica Nelson dead on the floor of her prison cell.
The 37-year-old proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman had been arrested in Melbourne just three days earlier on suspicion of shoplifting, and denied bail.
Locked up in Victoria's Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Veronica was suffering an undiagnosed medical condition and drug withdrawal.
Hours before her death, she cried out for help a total of nine times.
Watch: Footage from inside Veronica's cell. Post continues.
Around 1am, Veronica reported experiencing leg cramps and was given Panadol and the anti-nausea drug Maxolon through a flap in the door.
In the hours following, she continued to call for help.
As did other prisoners who heard her screams.
But despite her pleas, prison and nursing staff did not check on Veronica physically, a 2020 hearing was told.
Instead, they communicated with her through an intercom system and a door flap.
Veronica eventually declined an offer to be taken to the medical unit, saying she'd prefer to stay where she was.
Hours later, around 7:30am, she was found dead alone in her cell when she didn't respond to the morning head count.
An autopsy later found Veronica was suffering from Wilkie’s syndrome, a rare medical condition that restricts the arteries.
Now, over two years later, a coronial inquest into Veronica's death will begin this week.
The inquest, which is expected to hear from more than 60 witnesses including Aboriginal elders and prison staff, will examine the cause and circumstances of Veronica’s death, including the medical treatment she was provided, the impact of her Aboriginality on her death and systemic issues in Victoria's remand system.
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