Howard v. Armontrout

Frank Howard, an inmate at the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP), sued prison officials alleging deprivation of constitutional rights. Howard now appeals the dismissal of his petition for failure to state a claim.

We reverse and remand.

On November 23,1985, unknown inmates set fire to Howard’s cell destroying all of his personal property. After MSP officials questioned Howard about the fire, they placed him in detention and denied him contact with other prisoners. On December 26, 1985, Howard was transferred to the Special Management Facility and maintained on no-contact status.

On May 7, 1986,…