Death County, PA: Episode 3 – "Hell Froze Over"
Release Date: May 5, 2025 | Host: Wondery
Introduction
In the third episode of Death County, PA, titled "Hell Froze Over," listeners delve deeper into the tragic and perplexing death of Jamal Krummel at Dauphin County Prison (DCP). This episode unpacks the systemic failures within the prison system, the personal connections that drive the quest for truth, and the mounting tensions between Lamont Jones and the authorities who seem intent on withholding information.
Lamont Jones: A Connected Advocate
Lamont Jones emerges as a central figure, deeply embedded within the Harrisburg community and possessing extensive connections ranging from local politicians to former inmates. His relationships provide him with a unique perspective and access, which he leverages to seek justice for his cousin, Jamal Krummel.
Notable Quote:
Lamont Jones [00:16]: "When you get to know Lamont Jones, you get the sense that he knows everybody."
Rekindling a Troubled Friendship
Lamont's longstanding friendship with Jamal Krummel reveals the personal stakes involved. Both men have tumultuous histories with the criminal justice system, marked by arrests and incarcerations that have strained their relationship over the years.
Notable Quote:
Jamal Krummel [00:45]: "Just a fun guy, man. I mean, middle school, we was into dancing... It was just a fun time."
Lamont's last interaction with Jamal before his release sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy. Jamal's deteriorating mental health, compounded by inadequate support within DCP, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by inmates with severe mental illnesses.
The Incident: Jamal's Arrest and Deteriorating Condition
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Jamal is arrested for allegedly attempting to run over state troopers with his Ford Escape. Lamont's concern is palpable as he grapples with the implications of Jamal's return to a prison system ill-equipped to handle his mental health needs.
Notable Quote:
Lamont Jones [05:08]: "This had to be a time where he wasn't on his medication."
Despite Lamont's intervention, which includes contacting the Harrisburg Police Chief to advocate for Jamal's proper treatment, systemic issues within DCP hinder meaningful assistance. Corrections officers Samantha and Thomas provide insider perspectives on the prison's harsh environment and the lack of adequate medical care.
Notable Quote:
Samantha [07:12]: "His mental health is severely deteriorating and we are not equipped to handle it."
Systemic Failures at Dauphin County Prison
The episode meticulously details the neglect Jamal faced, from inadequate mental health services provided by the third-party company Primecare to the extreme cold within individual cells. The prison's inability to transfer Jamal to a specialized burn unit exacerbates his condition, highlighting the dire consequences of bureaucratic inertia.
Notable Quotes:
Thomas [09:28]: "An inch of urine later, because he wasn't getting up to use the bathroom."
Samantha [14:54]: "We only have mental health issues Monday through Friday, 8 to 4."
Jamal's Tragic Death
As winter intensifies, Jamal's health spirals out of control. Despite interventions by corrections officers, his condition deteriorates to life-threatening levels. The delayed and inadequate response from medical staff culminates in Jamal's death from toxic epidermal necrolysis, compounded by severe hypothermia.
Notable Quote:
Jamal Krummel [20:28]: "Friend contacted me on Facebook and said, your son died."
The family's anguish is palpable as they receive delayed and vague notifications about Jamal's passing, fueling suspicions of a cover-up.
Confrontation with Coroner Graham Hetrick
Lamont's pursuit of answers leads him to Coroner Graham Hetrick, whose dismissive and hostile demeanor raises red flags. The interaction reveals Graham's reluctance to provide transparent information, suggesting possible complicity in masking the true cause of Jamal's death.
Notable Quotes:
Graham Hetrick [22:11]: "There were some things that weren't adding up about the coroner records."
Lamont Jones [24:32]: "It is what it is."
Lamont's training and persistence uncover discrepancies in the coroner's reports, further deepening the mystery surrounding Jamal's death.
Joining the Community Advisory Committee
Determined to effect change, Lamont joins the Dolphin County Prison Community Advisory Committee. This platform allows him to directly question county commissioners and prison officials, challenging them on the opaque handling of Jamal's case and advocating for systemic reforms.
Notable Quote:
Jamal Krummel [27:03]: "I want to know why aren't things changing?"
Lamont's involvement signifies his transition from a concerned family member to an active advocate against the injustices perpetuated by DCP.
A Glimpse Inside M Block
A walkthrough of M Block, the medical section of DCP, offers a chilling perspective on the conditions inmates face. Lamont's firsthand observation of the cold, sparse medical presence, and the outdated infrastructure reinforces his resolve to dismantle the failing system.
Notable Quotes:
Jamal Krummel [31:18]: "One of the greatest fears that I've ever had myself, is dying in prison alone."
Lamont Jones [30:02]: "We would take, like, newspaper, wet the newspaper, and seal around the windows to try to keep it warm inside."
Lamont's Resolve and Vision for Change
The culmination of these experiences fortifies Lamont's determination to expose the truth and advocate for meaningful prison reform. Faced with resistance from entrenched officials, Lamont contemplates the necessity of new leadership to spearhead the transformation of DCP.
Notable Quote:
Lamont Jones [32:04]: "Maybe Dolphin county was ready for something new, a new kind of leadership."
Conclusion
"Hell Froze Over" poignantly captures the intersection of personal loss and systemic failure. Through Lamont Jones' relentless pursuit of justice for Jamal Krummel, the episode exposes the harrowing conditions within Dauphin County Prison and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform. As Lamont grapples with mounting challenges, his journey embodies the fight against institutional neglect and the quest for accountability.
Stay Tuned: The episode concludes with Lamont poised to challenge the status quo, setting the stage for further revelations and confrontations in the subsequent episodes of Death County, PA.
Notable Contributors:
- Host & Reporter: Joshua Vaughn
- Producer: Rachel Yong
- Major Interviews: Jamal Krummel, Samantha (Corrections Officer), Thomas (Corrections Officer), Coroner Graham Hetrick
For more insights and updates, follow Death County, PA on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform.