By AP/KWMU
Vandalia, MO – The Justice Department is reviewing conditions at the women's prison in Vandalia, Mo., about 60 miles northwest of Wentzville.
Two women from the Kansas City area have died there this year, so a team will interview inmates this week about the conditions.
The family of one of the dead inmates is wondering whether she got the right medical treatment at the prison.
A third inmate died hours after being released on medical parole; her family has sued the prison in a wrongful-death lawsuit.
It will be at least the second visit from the department's special litigation unit to the eastern Missouri prison.
The Justice Department officials are to meet with current inmates in the prison's visiting area.