Patrick Croskey was one of two inmates who committed suicide at the Birmingham Jail this week. His death has sparked concerns ranging from the condition of the jail itself to the processes in place for inmates having a mental health crisis, but the largest response has been from the LGBTQ+ community, who have expressed concern that the initial reports "misgendered" and "dead-named" Croskey.
RELATED: Birmingham City Jail inmate found dead
AL(dot)com originally updated its first story to reflect that Croskey was transgender and include his preferred names "Peaches" or "Kalena." A second story by the outlet noted that he was transgender in the title.
Croskey had been in the Birmingham City Jail since April 21. Reports indicate that he was being held on charges that included disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief and two counts of third-degree assault.
Last September, Croskey was arrested twice and booked on charges of public lewdness and disorderly conduct.
Records indicate that he was charged in November 2025 with criminal trespass and again in December with harassment.
In 2026 alone, he faced two separate arrests and cases for burglary and criminal trespass.
According to Homewood Police, on "September 9th, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, the Homewood Police Department received multiple calls about a male exposing himself on Oxmoor Road near the Edgewood Strip. It was reported that this was the same subject that was exposing himself on September 8th in the same area."
After Homewood Police officers quickly responded and located the subject, multiple citizens who witnessed the lewd acts on both days approached officers. Officers explained the process for swearing out a warrant, and multiple individuals did so.
Following each of his two arrests on those days, Take Resource Center, which describes itself as "A Black trans-led org providing supportive services to trans POC in Alabama," bailed him out of jail.
In a social media post following that arrest, the group explained that Croskey had been homeless with untreated mental illness for approximately 10 years. They condemned law enforcement action and defended the lewd behavior.
"Peaches was falsely accused when in reality, she was simply being herself dancing, singing, and bringing joy through the streets," the group wrote using the hashtags #StopSlutShaming and #AllClothesAreWelcome.
Following the news of Croskey's death, Eric Hall of Birmingham Black Lives Matter went to City Hall and demanded to see Mayor Randall Woodfin without an appointment. He is seen in videos disrupting the office by screaming, "No justice, no peace." After refusing to leave after multiple warnings and saying, "If you want to put me in jail, put me in jail," he was arrested.
Woodfin later addressed both deaths, that of Croskey and the second inmate who died, Kendall Sweazer.
"They were not statistics. They were not case numbers. They were human beings and they deserve to be spoken about with care and compassion," Woodfin wrote in a Facebook post.
"Both Peaches and Kendall had attempted to take their own lives once before at the city jail. In both cases, our staff intervened. In both cases, they were taken to UAB for evaluation. In both cases, UAB released them back to the jail. Procedure and protocols from staff was followed. The coroner's office has found no signs of foul play. Unfortunately, both Peaches and Kendall committed suicide," he added.
State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) posted an image of herself with the message, "Trans Lives Matter."
Take Resource Center, the same nonprofit that bailed him out, will host a balloon release in his honor during their Juneteenth celebration.
"At 2:30 PM, we will pause to commemorate Peaches with a few tender words and a special balloon release in her honor. We ask everyone to bring a white or gold balloon as we send her spirit off with love. Immediately following the balloon release, we will continue our Slip & Slide Community Lawn Party," the nonprofit posted on social media.
"As we mourn her loss, we also honor her life. Let Peaches' legacy be a call to action. We must continue advocating for a transformation of our systems of incarceration and for better responses to individuals living with severe mental illness. No one should be forgotten, neglected, or stripped of their humanity. Rest peacefully, Peaches. Your life mattered, your presence was felt, and your memory will forever remain with us," the group wrote in its newsletter.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988 or connect with a trained counselor through a live chat on their website. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance 24/7/365.
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