Jail Experiment Star John ‘Eastside’ McAllister Found Dead in PrisonJohn ‘Eastside’ McAllister Found Dead in Prison

Netflix’s Unlocked: A Jail Experiment introduced viewers to John McAllister, better known as “Eastside.” His candid portrayal of prison life made him a memorable figure in the series. Tragically, McAllister was found unresponsive in his cell on June 2, 2024, just weeks before his scheduled release.

Who Was John ‘Eastside’ McAllister?

McAllister, serving a three-year sentence for drug possession with a firearm, had spent much of his life in and out of jail. Unlocked: A Jail Experiment followed his journey within an Arkansas prison where inmates lived with their cell doors unlocked, testing the boundaries of rehabilitation and personal accountability.

The Tragic Death of Eastside

Authorities discovered McAllister unresponsive at the Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was rushed to Jefferson Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead before 9:00 AM. While an official cause of death remains unknown, officials have ruled out homicide and suicide.

A Life Marked by Struggles and Survival

Throughout Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, McAllister openly shared his battle with drug addiction. He revealed that he had been using methamphetamines since the age of eight. Despite his struggles, he found ways to navigate prison life, even operating a secret tattoo business alongside his cellmate.

The Legacy of McAllister and Unlocked

McAllister’s death brings attention to the ongoing issues of substance abuse and rehabilitation in the prison system. His story highlights the urgent need for better support systems to help inmates overcome addiction and reintegrate into society successfully.