Death County, PA – Episode 2: "Speaking for the Dead"

Release Date: April 28, 2025

In the gripping second episode of Death County, PA, hosted by Joshua Vaughn and produced by Wondery, listeners delve deeper into the murky waters of Dauphin County Prison (DCP) and the mysterious deaths that have plagued its halls. Titled "Speaking for the Dead," this episode unravels a complex web of corruption, misinformation, and systemic failures through investigative journalism and firsthand accounts.

Introduction: Unmasking the Coroner's Facade

The episode opens with a critical examination of Graham Hetrick, the coroner of Dauphin County, whose television persona as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes raised public trust but concealed deeper issues within the county's death investigations.

Graham Hetrick’s TV Persona:

• [00:16] Joshua Vaughn: Introduces Graham Hetrick's role in solving murders, highlighting his analytical prowess at crime scenes.
• [06:12] Graham Hetrick: "We have to take this life and claim responsibility for it because this is our school. This is where we learn and we pass or we fail."

Despite his public image, former deputy coroner Michael McClurg (Mac) exposes the inaccuracies perpetuated by Hetrick’s television show.

Mac’s Critique of Hetrick:

• [02:46] Michael McClurg: “That's not what happened.”
• [03:05] Mac: Criticizes the portrayal of Hetrick solving crimes single-handedly, emphasizing that the coroner’s role is often misrepresented.

Mac reveals that actual crime scene investigations rely heavily on surveillance footage and forensic pathologists, not the dramatized methods shown on TV.

Misrepresentation of Coroner Duties:

• [03:28] Mac: “There's a misconception that the coroner performs the autopsies. He orders the autopsies, but a forensic pathologist actually performs it and comes up with the cause or manner of death.”

The Ishmael Thompson Case: Unveiling the Truth

Central to this episode is the case of Ishmael Thompson, an inmate whose death raises serious questions about the integrity of DCP’s operations.

Initial Reporting and Discrepancies:

• [10:00] Joshua Vaughn: Details the scant information available publicly about Ishmael Thompson's death, noting the press release's vagueness.
• [11:20] Fran Chardo (District Attorney): Attempts to clarify the lack of evidence for physical assault but inadvertently fuels suspicion with ambiguous statements.

Joshua Vaughn’s Investigation: Vaughn uncovers discrepancies between official reports and eyewitness accounts, leading him to request autopsy reports and consult experts.

Expert Analysis:

• [14:09] Roger Mitchell: Howard University professor and former forensic pathologist Roger Mitchell dismisses Hetrick’s determination of an undetermined manner of death, asserting, “When you engage somebody and you fight somebody and they die subsequent to that fight, it's a homicide.”

Revelations from DCP Staff: James Labomski, head of staff training at DCP, provides a harrowing account of Ishmael’s final moments, highlighting procedural failures and officer misconduct.

James Labomski’s Testimony:

• [26:02] James: “It made me sick. This is something that should not have occurred for a number of reasons.”
• [28:11] James: Describes the internal meetings where administration chose to minimize accountability, culminating in a hefty settlement with Ishmael’s family without proper documentation of wrongdoing.

Systemic Failures and Cover-Ups

The episode meticulously outlines how internal protocols were ignored, leading to Ishmael Thompson’s preventable death.

Use of Force and Policy Violations:

• [21:43] James: Explains the ineffective and dangerous use of spithoods in conjunction with pepper spray, exacerbating Ishmael’s distress.
• [22:56] James: Criticizes the supervisors' inadequate responses, such as dismissing Ishmael’s pleas for help with, “if you're talking, you're breathing, so just keep breathing.”

Administrative Complicity:

• [29:24] Joshua Vaughn: Illustrates how the warden and Director of Corrections concealed the truth, prioritizing the county’s image over justice.
• [30:11] Joshua Vaughn: Highlights the systemic indifference, as no officers were held accountable except for one being let go, followed by Labomski’s layoff.

The Ripple Effect: Lamont Jones’ Quest for Justice

The fallout from Ishmael’s death sets the stage for Lamont Jones, whose own tragic loss propels him into a relentless pursuit of truth and accountability within DCP.

Lamont’s Determination:

• [32:18] Joshua Vaughn: Connects Ishmael’s case to Lamont Jones’ ongoing fight against corruption and negligence at DCP, emphasizing the personal stakes involved.

Future Implications:

• [33:25] Joshua Vaughn: Teases the ongoing investigations and the challenges Lamont faces as he seeks to expose the systemic issues plaguing Dauphin County Prison.

Notable Quotes

• Graham Hetrick: “We have to take this life and claim responsibility for it because this is our school. This is where we learn and we pass or we fail.” [06:43]
• Michael McClurg (Mac): “There's a misconception that the coroner performs the autopsies. He orders the autopsies, but a forensic pathologist actually performs it and comes up with the cause or manner of death.” [03:28]
• Roger Mitchell: “When you engage somebody and you fight somebody and they die subsequent to that fight, it's a homicide. It's death at the hands of another.” [14:43]
• James Labomski: “It made me sick. This is something that should not have occurred for a number of reasons.” [26:02]
• James Labomski: “I don't want to call it necessarily atonement. I don't know if I have something to atone for. But I do know that Ishmael's family, they should really know this is. This is what happened to their loved one.” [31:58]

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

"Speaking for the Dead" serves as a poignant exposé on the failures within Dauphin County Prison’s system. Through meticulous investigation and courageous testimonies, Joshua Vaughn unearths the truth behind Ishmael Thompson’s death, challenging the narratives upheld by those in power. This episode not only sheds light on a single tragic incident but also sets the foundation for Lamont Jones’ ongoing battle against the entrenched corruption that threatens justice within Death County, PA.

Listeners are left anticipating the next installment, where Lamont’s journey promises to further uncover the dark secrets of DCP and seek the accountability desperately needed for the voiceless inmates.

Follow Death County, PA on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on Lamont Jones' quest for justice and the uncovering of Dauphin County Prison's darkest secrets.