Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
Episode Summary: Death County, PA
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Death County, PA," hosted by award-winning journalist Joshua Vaughn, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD delves into the harrowing tale of Lamont Jones and his relentless pursuit of justice following the suspicious death of his young cousin, Tyreek Riley, in Dauphin County Prison, Pennsylvania. This episode uncovers deep-seated corruption, systemic cover-ups, and the struggle of everyday individuals against powerful institutional forces.

The Tragic Death of Tyreek Riley

The episode opens with the tragic story of Tyreek Riley, a 21-year-old Black man whose death in custody raises immediate red flags. Graham Hetrick, the county coroner with a prominent TV presence through his true crime reality series "I Speak for the Dead," examines Tyreek’s body in a sterile exam room. Hetrick meticulously documents Tyreek's injuries, including bruises, cuts, and signs of internal hemorrhaging:

“Tyreek's body shows signs of injury... a contusion to the mid forehead, abrasions on the lips, and a 6-inch bruise on the right hip.”
— Forensic Pathologist, 03:10

Despite appearing well-nourished and built, the internal injuries suggest foul play, contradicting the official report attributing his death to natural causes.

Lamont Jones' Quest for Truth

Lamont Jones, devastated by the loss of his cousin, becomes suspicious of the official narrative. Overwhelmed with grief and frustration, he faces a critical decision: accept the authorities' explanation or delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Tyreek's death. Lamont's determination ignites a mission to uncover the truth.

“I knew I was going to die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you gotta get.”
— Lamont Jones, 04:54

Lamont’s intuition and his cousin’s visible signs of mistreatment lead him to question the integrity of the Dauphin County Prison system.

Uncovering a Pattern of Suspicious Deaths

As Lamont investigates, he discovers a disturbing pattern of similar deaths within the county prison. Tyreek Riley's death is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, more sinister trend of unexplained fatalities. The episode highlights several other cases where inmates have died under questionable circumstances, raising alarms about possible systemic abuse and negligence.

Confronting the County Coroner

Central to the narrative is Graham Hetrick, whose role as both the county coroner and a true crime TV host positions him as a key figure in the investigation. Initially seen as a credible authority, Hetrick's conclusions about Tyreek's death spark outrage and suspicion.

“Shame on every single person responsible for the death of so many people inside of this building here.”
— Graham Hetrick, 05:04

Hetrick's public defamation of responsible parties suggests a possible conflict between his professional obligations and external pressures to maintain the status quo.

The Web of Corruption and Cover-ups

Lamont's relentless pursuit reveals a complex web of corruption involving prison officials, law enforcement, and possibly other influential entities intent on suppressing the truth. The episode features never-before-heard interviews with whistleblowers and insiders who shed light on the systemic issues plaguing Dauphin County Prison.

“Dauphin county is the worst jail ever. How they treat us dead people rather die.”
— Lamont Jones, 04:58

These testimonies paint a bleak picture of the environment within the prison, indicating that abuse and neglect are rampant and likely contributing factors to the high number of inmate deaths.

Conclusion

"Death County, PA" serves as a powerful exposé on the hidden abuses within the Dauphin County Prison system. Through Lamont Jones' personal tragedy and subsequent investigation, the episode reveals the extent of corruption and the challenges faced by those seeking justice against entrenched institutional forces. Hosted by Joshua Vaughn, this episode not only recounts a tragic true story but also invites listeners to reflect on broader issues of systemic injustice and the ongoing fight for accountability within law enforcement institutions.

As the episode concludes, it underscores the importance of vigilance and the courage required to confront deeply rooted corruption, leaving listeners both informed and compelled to consider the true origins and current state of policing in America.

Notable Quotes

• Lamont Jones
  "I knew I was going to die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you gotta get."
  — 04:54

• Graham Hetrick
  "Shame on every single person responsible for the death of so many people inside of this building here."
  — 05:04

• Lamont Jones
  "Dauphin county is the worst jail ever. How they treat us dead people rather die."
  — 04:58

Final Thoughts

"Death County, PA" is a compelling episode that intertwines personal tragedy with systemic critique, offering listeners an in-depth look at the dark underbelly of institutional policing and incarceration. It highlights the critical need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the criminal justice system.

Listen to the full episode on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform to experience this chilling story of corruption, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of justice.