Thomas Silverstein, once described as America’s most isolated prisoner, spent 36 years in solitary confinement before his death in 2019 at the age of 69. Serving a life sentence for three murders, including that of a prison officer, he was under a 'no human contact' order for 28 years.
In a 2011 lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Silverstein detailed the harsh conditions of his confinement. He wrote that his cell in USP Atlanta was so small he could touch both walls simultaneously and that the ceiling was low enough to reach the hot light fixture. The walls were solid steel and painted white.
During his first year in a 'side pocket' cell, Silverstein was completely isolated from the outside world. He had no social visits, telephone privileges, or reading material except a Bible. There was no television, radio, or tape player. The bright artificial lights remained on constantly, buzzing incessantly, and he had no wristwatch or clock, making it impossible to distinguish day from night.
Silverstein recounted his disorientation: 'I tried to measure the passing of days by counting food trays. Without being able to keep track of time, sometimes I thought the officers had left me and were never coming back.' He apologised for his actions, stating he understood he deserved punishment but hoped to serve the rest of his time peacefully with other mature inmates.
