The CBS News Miami documentary "Warehoused: The Life and Death of Tristin Murphy" has sparked significant movement toward reform in Florida's criminal justice system. The documentary sheds light on the state's failure to adequately treat mentally ill prisoners, focusing on the tragic story of Tristin Murphy, who suffered from schizophrenia and died by suicide in prison. His mother, Cindy Murphy, has been advocating for change, pushing for better treatment of mentally ill inmates.

As a result, State Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-6th District) has introduced Senate Bill 168, also known as the Tristin Murphy Act. The bill aims to offer diversion plans and mental health treatment instead of incarceration for individuals with mental illness. Modeled after successful programs like Judge Steve Liefman's in Miami, the bill proposes linking mental health treatment with probation, better training for law enforcement, and addressing the shortage of forensic beds. It also includes grant funding for training programs without requiring financial matches from fiscally constrained counties.

The first hearing for the Tristin Murphy Act is scheduled for next week.

In September 2021, 37-year-old Tristin Murphy, arrested for littering, took his life at a state prison near Miami. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoia, and delusions, Murphy had previously attempted suicide and was not receiving the necessary treatment at the time of his death. His medical records reveal he had been off his medication for almost a week before the incident.

CBS News Miami conducted a two-year investigation into his case, uncovering how various parts of the justice system, from police to prison officials, failed to address Murphy's mental health. The documentary also exposes the broader issue of the growing number of mentally ill individuals being held in jails and prisons, with Murphy's story illustrating a systemic failure. "Warehoused" offers an in-depth look at Murphy's final years through medical records, investigative files, and interviews with his parents, who continue to seek answers about their son’s death.