A groundbreaking investigative podcast series titled “Death County, PA” is set to premiere on April 14 on Wondery+, with a wider release on April 28 across all major podcast platforms. This compelling series delves into the alarming pattern of inmate deaths at Dauphin County Prison in Pennsylvania, exposing a tangled web of corruption, abuse, and systemic failures that have plagued the institution for years.
Unveiling the Shadows: The Genesis of “Death County, PA”
Hosted by seasoned investigative journalist Joshua Vaughn, “Death County, PA” embarks on a relentless quest for truth, focusing on the experiences of Lamont Jones—a former inmate turned advocate and elected official. Jones’s journey into activism was ignited by the tragic and suspicious death of his 22-year-old cousin, who perished within the confines of Dauphin County Prison merely two weeks after his incarceration. This personal tragedy propels Jones into a deeper investigation, revealing that his cousin’s death is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of fatalities within the facility.
A Disturbing Pattern: Unraveling Inmate Deaths
The series uncovers that since 2019, at least 16 individuals have died in connection with Dauphin County Prison, with causes ranging from suicide to alleged natural causes. Notably, the county reported only eight of these deaths to the state as required, highlighting significant discrepancies in reporting and transparency.
Notable Cases Highlighted in the Podcast
- Ty’Rique Riley (2019): Arrested and taken to Dauphin County Prison in June 2019, Riley fell unconscious a few days later and died in the hospital in July. The coroner ruled his death as natural causes, citing complications from cerebral vasculitis/encephalitis, thromboemboli, and rhabdomyolysis. However, his family raised concerns about injuries observed on his body, including lacerations, bruises, and missing teeth.
- Justin Cofield (2024): The 33-year-old was found unresponsive in his bunk on February 23, 2024, and pronounced dead shortly after. The coroner’s office stated that both the cause and manner of death were pending further studies. Cofield had been incarcerated since August 2023, and his death marked the third inmate fatality in three months at the prison.
- Herbert Tilghman (2019): Died on August 20, 2019, while receiving medical treatment. Autopsy results indicated that Tilghman died of natural causes due to complications from a duodenal ulcer.
Systemic Issues: Corruption and Concealment
As Vaughn and Jones delve deeper, they confront a culture of secrecy and obstruction within the prison and local government. Authorities appear to work in unison to conceal suspicious prisoner deaths, with the county coroner, Graham Hetrick—a figure known for his reality TV show and the tagline “I speak for the dead”—often at the center of these controversies. Hetrick’s determinations of natural causes in several inmate deaths have been met with skepticism and have sparked demands for greater accountability.
The Role of the Coroner’s Office
The coroner’s office, led by Hetrick, has faced criticism for its handling of inmate death investigations. In several instances, the office has delayed or withheld information, leading to public outcry and legal challenges. For example, in the case of Ty’Rique Riley, the family expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and the coroner’s refusal to release detailed findings promptly.
Community Action: From Tragedy to Reform
“Death County, PA” not only highlights the grim realities within Dauphin County Prison but also showcases the resilience and determination of individuals like Lamont Jones and his allies. Their grassroots efforts underscore the power of community action in challenging institutional failures and advocating for meaningful reform.
Steps Toward Change
- Advocacy and Protests: Following multiple inmate deaths, community members and advocacy groups have organized protests and rallies demanding justice and systemic changes within the prison system. These actions have brought heightened awareness to the issues and pressured authorities to address concerns.
- Independent Investigations: The persistent efforts of activists and journalists have led to independent investigations into the prison’s operations, staffing, and training protocols. Former Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel was appointed as a consultant to the County Prison Board to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at implementing reforms.
Conclusion: Shedding Light on the Darkness
“Death County, PA” serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the prison system. By bringing these harrowing stories to light, the podcast aims to foster a broader conversation about justice and the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals.
Listeners can access “Death County, PA” starting April 14 on Wondery+ and from April 28 on all major podcast platforms.
