Death County, PA – Episode 1: "Natural Causes"

Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host/Author: Wondery
Podcast Title: Death County, PA
Episode Title: Natural Causes | 1

Introduction

In the gripping premiere of Death County, PA, Wondery delves into the mysterious and troubling deaths within Dauphin County Prison (DCP), also known colloquially as the "county toilet." This episode, titled "Natural Causes," sets the stage for a deep investigation led by Lamont Jones, a former inmate determined to uncover the truth behind the unexplained demise of his cousin, Tyreek Riley.

The Mysterious Death of Tyreek Riley

[00:17 – 03:43]
The episode opens with a vivid description of Tyreek Riley's lifeless body in a coroner's office. At just 21 years old, Tyreek's death was categorized under "questionable circumstances." Forensic pathologist Graham Hetrick conducts the autopsy, revealing multiple injuries: contusions on Tyreek's forehead and tongue, abrasions on his lips, cuts on his wrists and knuckles, bruising on his forearms, legs, feet, and a significant bruise on his right hip. Internal examinations show hemorrhaging in the lungs and oxygen deprivation in the brain.

Graham Hetrick, the county coroner with a notable presence both in his office and on his reality TV show, I Speak for the Dead, is responsible for determining Tyreek's cause of death. His initial findings hint at a disturbing pattern of unexplained deaths within DCP, suggesting something far more sinister is at play.

Lamont Jones: A Beacon of Hope

[03:43 – 07:53]
Lamont Jones, a 44-year-old rehabilitation worker recently released from Dauphin County Prison, is introduced as a central figure striving to reform the system. Having spent 11 years behind bars, with part of that time at DCP, Lamont is deeply familiar with the prison's inner workings and its flaws. His commitment to helping inmates transition back into society is evident as he reflects:

Lamont Jones [07:26]: "That was like, all right, you know, I'm doing something, man. I'm really making a difference, you know? So that felt good."

Despite his efforts, Lamont yearns to create broader, systemic changes rather than assisting one prisoner at a time. His alter ego, Montmont, a feisty and tougher persona developed during his time in prison, resurfaces as he confronts the challenges posed by Tyreek's death.

The Tragic Incident Leading to Tyreek's Death

[07:35 – 18:44]
Tyreek Riley's distress began months before his death. His parents noticed alarming behavior: migraines, confusion, and paranoia about someone lurking outside their home. On June 18, 2019, Tyreek's condition worsened dramatically when he confronted his father with a sledgehammer, leading to a struggle that ended with Tyreek being hospitalized and subsequently arrested. Despite a preliminary hearing scheduled on July 1, Tyreek remained in the ICU and was declared dead shortly after.

Lamont, upon learning of his cousin's death, becomes determined to uncover the truth. His initial inquiries led to vague responses from DCP officials, igniting his suspicion that Tyreek's death was not merely a medical incident but possibly a result of foul play within the prison walls.

Unveiling Corruption: Resistance and Advocacy

[18:18 – 24:39]
As Tyreek's family grapples with unanswered questions, Lamont discovers disturbing autopsy photos showing severe bruising and injuries inconsistent with natural causes. These revelations galvanize the family and community:

Lamont Jones [18:18]: "The body doesn't do this. You can see where the marks are on the back of his legs, the tightening of the handcuffs around the wrist. You know, you have beat marks all up and down the back. This is not from a fall, and I'm not a doctor. You don't need to be. This is bruising. This is like physical bruising."

Simultaneously, Tyreek's cousin Quincy Irvin, grappling with grief and confusion, channels his emotions into music, highlighting the personal toll of Tyreek's untimely death.

The Coroner's Press Conference: A Turning Point

[25:34 – 33:14]
Two months after Tyreek's death, Coroner Graham Hetrick holds a highly anticipated press conference to announce his findings. Despite the mounting pressure and public outcry, Hetrick maintains that Tyreek died of "natural causes," attributing his death to medical conditions such as cerebral vasculitis and encephalitis, and even traces of cocaine in Tyreek's system.

Lamont, present at the conference, is skeptical of Hetrick's assertions:

Lamont Jones [29:05]: "When he was revealing all the things. It took us so long, I was like, well, man, just tell us what the hell happened and how he passed."

Hetrick's dismissive explanations and the classification of Tyreek's death as natural fuel Lamont's determination to seek further answers, suspecting a deliberate cover-up to obscure the truth about DCP's conditions.

Community Outrage and Investigation

[33:04 – 36:25]
The press conference's outcome does little to quell suspicions. Instead, it ignites a broader movement as more families and community members demand transparency and accountability. Reports of similar unexplained deaths within DCP emerge, many labeled under ambiguous terms like "natural" or "undetermined."

Journalist Joshua Vaughn begins his own investigation, uncovering systemic issues within DCP, including potential use of force reports and autopsy findings that hint at a pattern of corruption and violence. His discovery of a suspicious death with "undetermined" cause marked as a natural incident suggests that DCP officials have been systematically covering up lethal misconduct.

Lamont's relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with community support and newfound evidence, positions him at the forefront of a fight against the entrenched corruption plaguing Dauphin County Prison.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes with Joshua Vaughn revealing his findings and setting the stage for the next episode, where the depths of DCP's corruption are further explored. The unresolved nature of Tyreek Riley's death and the emerging pattern of similar incidents within the prison system underscore the grave challenges Lamont Jones and the community face in seeking justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lamont Jones [03:43]: "This is serious. This is family. And I want to know what happened."

• Tyreek Riley [03:46]: "I knew I was gonna die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you gotta get me outta here."

• Graham Hetrick [03:50]: "Dauphin County is the worst jail ever. How they treat us dead people?"

• Quincy Irvin [03:55]: "Rather die."

• Lamont Jones [07:26]: "That was like, all right, you know, I'm doing something, man. I'm really making a difference, you know? So that felt good."

• Lamont Jones [13:43]: "That's a whole different guy. That is someone that is feisty, a fighter."

• Lamont Jones [18:18]: "The body doesn't do this. You can see where the marks are on the back of his legs, the tightening of the handcuffs around the wrist. You know, you have beat marks all up and down the back. This is not from a fall, and I'm not a doctor. You don't need to be. This is bruising. This is like physical bruising."

• Lamont Jones [26:34]: "We needed to know what happened, what we were told we needed to know."

• Lamont Jones [32:53]: "Why is all of these cameras here? Why did we have to wait so long? I mean, he had a PowerPoint presentation. Man, man, come on."

• Lamont Jones [33:04]: "And it seems like it was there to misguide you, to take away any notion that there were any wrongdoing on the prison officials or the prison guards that were there."

Looking Ahead

Death County, PA promises to unravel the intricate web of corruption and cover-ups within Dauphin County Prison. As Lamont Jones continues his quest for justice, listeners are left eager to discover the full extent of the systemic failures and the dangerous truths that lie beneath the surface.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where the investigation deepens, and the true horror of Dolphin County Prison begins to unfold.

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