A Sixth Inmate Dies at Wisconsin’s Troubled Waupun Correctional Institution
In a deeply concerning development, Damien Evans, a 23-year-old inmate at Wisconsin’s Waupun Correctional Institution, has become the sixth prisoner to die in custody since June 2023. Evans passed away on Tuesday, though the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has not provided further details, and both the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office have declined to comment. Evans was serving a seven-year sentence for armed robbery, with an additional two years for bail jumping, following a 2019 conviction in Racine County. His death marks the latest in a series of tragic incidents at the 1850s-era prison, which has faced intense scrutiny over inmate welfare and staff misconduct.
A Pattern of Preventable Deaths and Alleged Misconduct
Since June 2023, five other inmates at Waupun Correctional Institution have lost their lives under alarming circumstances. Two prisoners took their own lives, one overdosed on fentanyl, one died of a stroke, and another succumbed to dehydration and malnutrition. The deaths of two inmates, Cameron Williams and Donald Maier, led to criminal charges against former warden Randall Hepp and eight staff members, who were accused of felony inmate abuse and misconduct. Hepp has since retired. Williams died of a stroke in October 2023, yet his body went undiscovered for at least 12 hours, raising questions about oversight and care. Maier, who suffered from severe mental health issues, died of dehydration and malnutrition after reportedly being denied or refusing medication for eight days before his death in February 2024. These cases highlight systemic failures in inmate care and accountability.
Federal and State Investigations Into Misconduct and Smuggling
The troubling conditions at Waupun Correctional Institution have also drawn the attention of federal investigators, who are probing an alleged smuggling ring involving prison employees. Nearly a dozen staff members have been suspended in connection with the investigation. In September, a former prison worker pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband, including cellphones, tobacco, and drugs, into the facility in exchange for money. These revelations have further eroded trust in the prison’s leadership and raised concerns about corruption and the safety of both inmates and staff.
Inmates File Lawsuit, Lawmakers Call for Closure
The plight of prisoners at Waupun has prompted a class-action lawsuit alleging widespread mistreatment and a lack of adequate healthcare. Inmates claim they have been subjected to inhumane conditions, medical neglect, and Mistreatment, which they argue violates their constitutional rights. Meanwhile, bipartisan calls to close the prison have grown louder. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have long advocated for the facility’s closure, citing its outdated infrastructure and the inhumane conditions it perpetuates. However, progress has stalled due to concerns about job losses for local employees and the high cost of building a replacement prison.
Governor Evers Proposes Reforms Amid Ongoing Crisis
In response to the mounting crisis, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has proposed a $500 million plan to overhaul the state’s prison system. The plan includes converting Waupun Correctional Institution into a medium-security facility focused on job training and rehabilitation for inmates. While this proposal aims to address the facility’s crumbling infrastructure and prioritise rehabilitation over punishment, critics argue that more immediate action is needed to address the alarming rate of inmate deaths and allegations of abuse.
The Need for Accountability and Transparency
The deaths of Damien Evans, Cameron Williams, Donald Maier, and others at Waupun Correctional Institution underscore a broader crisis in Wisconsin’s prison system. The lack of transparency surrounding these incidents, coupled with the alleged misconduct of prison staff, has left families of the deceased and advocacy groups demanding justice and accountability. As lawmakers debate the future of the prison, it is imperative that they prioritise the humane treatment of inmates, address systemic failures, and ensure that those responsible for abuse and neglect face consequences. The deaths at Waupun serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals, even those behind bars.
