Amidst this peaceful backdrop lies a cold concrete structure cloaked in seemingly endless rows of razor wire. It would be difficult to exaggerate the dark presence that permeates the compound. Once inside, even the air seems harder to breathe and the sunlight more harsh to the eye. The unit itself is clean, well kept, and as pleasant as any place can be with the sole purpose of housing inmates who are counting the days until they are transported to the death chamber. Hand painted murals of children adorn the walls and inmate art is proudly displayed in a glass showcase.
Every visitor is treated with kindness from the staff.
This is a very confusing place to visit. It looks more like a location for a retreat, a place for spiritual rejuvenation. This is Death Row. This is Darlie Routier's world. She is escorted out of her cell in handcuffs by a guard who routinely exchanges pleasantries with her.