Death County, PA – Episode 4: One Billboard Outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Host: Wondery
Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth episode of Death County, PA, titled "One Billboard Outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania," host Joshua Vaughn delves deeper into the systemic issues plaguing Dauphin County Prison (DCP). This episode intertwines the personal journey of Justin Douglas, a former pastor turned political candidate, with the harrowing realities faced by inmates and the challenges of exposing institutional neglect.

Justin Douglas: From Pastor to Political Activist

Transition and Conviction

Justin Douglas, a distinctive figure with his bearded face, tattoos, and muscular build, emerges as a pastor at Bridge Church, an evangelical congregation in Dauphin County. Unlike typical pastors, Justin, affiliated with the Brethren in Christ denomination, champions inclusivity, particularly welcoming LGBTQ+ members.

• Congregational Support: On a pivotal Sunday, Justin spearheads a vote on maintaining an inclusive community. “[00:03:18]” the vote results overwhelmingly—133 in favor to just three against—solidifying the church's commitment to inclusivity.

• Conflict and Resilience: Despite this strong support, the national leaders of the Brethren in Christ revoke Justin's license due to his progressive stance. Justin recounts, “[04:06] They had somebody else ready to come in and lead... It was just really painful.” Undeterred, he establishes the Belong Collective, rallying his loyal congregation to continue their mission.

Entry into Politics

Facing personal and financial hardships, Justin balances multiple jobs, including driving for Uber and coaching CrossFit, while leading the Belong Collective. His commitment to social justice propels him towards political activism.

• Call to Action: In a serendipitous moment, Justin receives a call from Run for Something, urging him to run for Dolphin County Commissioner. “[07:25]” This opportunity aligns with his passion for prison reform, especially after learning about the alarming death rates at DCP.

Exposing the Crisis at Dauphin County Prison

Investigative Reporting

Joshua Vaughn, the episode’s narrator, shares his investigative efforts into DCP, uncovering systemic neglect and abuse.

• Inmate Testimonies: Through interviews with inmates like Stavon Crummell and Imatep Mohammed, the podcast reveals dire conditions and medical neglect. Stavon expresses his fear, “[14:14]... am I going to wake up alive?” highlighting the psychological toll of incarceration at DCP.

• Medical Negligence: Former nurse Tatiana Bunty exposes the shortcomings of Prime Care, the for-profit medical provider at DCP. She details instances where critical medications were denied, resulting in severe health consequences for inmates. “[19:06]... they gave her no medication. Medical neglect. Ridiculous.”

Challenges in Reporting

Joshua faces significant barriers in his reporting efforts. Access to the prison is restricted, and attempts to obtain records are met with resistance. Emails reveal that the DCP warden and county lawyer are actively monitoring and undermining his work. “[22:12]” instances where phone lines are cut during interviews indicate a deliberate attempt to silence the investigation.

Lamont Jones: Advocating for Change from Within

Background and Advocacy

Lamont Jones, a former inmate and member of the DCP Community Advisory Committee, becomes a pivotal figure in advocating for prison reform.

• Fighting Financial Exploitation: Lamont identifies and campaigns against the unjust "room and board" fees charged to inmates, which escalate with recidivism. “[25:16]” He explains, “This is pushing you further and further into a hole,” illustrating how these fees contribute to higher recidivism rates and financial instability post-release.

• Success and Ambition: After persistent advocacy, Lamont successfully lobbies for the termination of these fees. Empowered by this victory, he decides to run for Harrisburg City Council to further influence policy. “[27:19] I woke up and said, I'm going to do this.”

Intersection of Campaigns: Justin and Lamont

Mutual Support and Collaboration

Justin and Lamont’s campaigns intersect, fostering a powerful coalition aimed at overhauling the prison system. Justin is inspired by Lamont’s grassroots success and sees in him a kindred spirit.

• Community Engagement: Justin observes Lamont’s ability to galvanize community support. “[28:35]” He praises Lamont’s event turnout, noting, “He just had such a pulse on the community, and people were listening when he was talking.”

• Strategic Endorsements: At community events, Lamont encourages Justin to share his campaign message, reinforcing their mutual commitment to change. “[28:48]” Lamont’s inclusive approach exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to challenge entrenched power structures.

A Bold Move: The Billboard Strategy

Campaign Innovation

Facing limited resources and stiff opposition, Justin devises a daring strategy to amplify his message: renting a billboard near a busy Walmart supercenter in Harrisburg.

• Message and Impact: The billboard boldly states, “18 prisoners dead since 2019. Vote for change on November 7th,” accompanied by Justin’s face and name. Despite advisor skepticism, Justin believes this move will educate the electorate and spotlight the urgent issues at DCP. “[34:56]”

• Public Reaction: The billboard garners immediate attention, with viewers reaching out to Justin. “[35:26]” This visibility marks a turning point in his campaign, drawing wider awareness to the high death rates and systemic failures within DCP.

Facing Increased Opposition

Escalating Conflict with DCP Administration

As Justin's campaign gains traction, the DCP administration intensifies its efforts to undermine him. They begin seizing campaign materials, cutting power, and further restricting access, signaling a deepening conflict.

• Underhanded Tactics: The administration's actions suggest a coordinated attempt to sabotage Justin's efforts to expose the truth about DCP. “[35:36]” This resistance underscores the entrenched nature of corruption and the lengths to which officials will go to maintain control.

Conclusion and Teaser

Episode 4 concludes with rising tensions as Justin's bold campaign strategies provoke a stronger backlash from the DCP administration. The stage is set for further revelations and confrontations in the quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths at Dauphin County Prison.

Next Episode Preview: The narrator hints at escalating challenges, including asset seizures and power cuts against Justin and his supporters, promising continued insights into the battle against institutional corruption.

Key Quotes

• Justin Douglas:
  “[03:27] We wanted to be an inclusive and welcoming community of the LGBT community.”
  “[10:22] I think we had like 10 days to get all the signatures we needed...”
  “[34:56]... Vote for change on November 7th.”

• Stavon Crummell:
  “[14:14]... am I going to wake up alive?”
  “[15:23]... they completely ignored me until I started writing grievances.”

• Tatiana Bunty:
  “[19:06]... Medical neglect. Ridiculous.”

Production Credits

• Written and Reported by: Joshua Vaughn
• Producer: Rachel Yong
• Senior Producers: Eric Benson and Chris Siegel
• Story Editor: Michael May
• Associate Producer: Emily Locke
• Fact Checking: Annika Robbins
• Sound Design and Mixing: Jeff Schmidt
• Audio Assistance: Daniel William Gonzalez
• Sound Supervisor: Marcelino Vialpondo
• Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez

For more gripping stories of systemic injustice and personal courage, follow Death County, PA on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.