Death County, PA – Episode Summary

Podcast Title: Scamfluencers
Episode: Death County, PA
Host: Wondery (Hosted by Joshua Vaughan)
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Death County, PA" from Wondery's Scamfluencers series, host Joshua Vaughan delves deep into a harrowing true story of corruption, coverups, and the relentless pursuit of justice within the confines of Dauphin County Prison in Pennsylvania. This episode unpacks the mysterious death of Tyreek Riley, a young Black man, and explores the broader implications of systemic issues within the prison system.

The Tragic Death of Tyreek Riley

The episode opens with the heart-wrenching tale of Lamont Jones, who is devastated by the untimely death of his young cousin, Tyreek Riley. Shortly after Tyreek's incarceration, he dies under suspicious circumstances, prompting Lamont to question the official reports citing natural causes. Lamont observes numerous inconsistencies, such as unexplained bruises and missing teeth, which starkly contrast with the official narrative.

[05:04] Tyreek Riley's Family Member: "This is serious. This is family. And I want to know what happened."

Lamont's grief quickly turns into frustration, igniting his determination to uncover the truth behind Tyreek's death. His quest leads him to investigate the broader environment of Dauphin County Prison, revealing a troubling pattern of unexplained deaths and potential institutional negligence.

The Autopsy and Coroner's Findings

A significant portion of the episode details Tyreek Riley's autopsy, conducted in a sterile examination room in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The forensic pathologist meticulously documents Tyreek's injuries, including:

• External Injuries: Contusions on the mid-forehead, tongue, lips; a quarter-inch cut around the right wrist; cuts on the knuckles; bruising on the forearm; abrasions on the legs and feet; and a six-inch bruise on the right hip.
• Internal Injuries: Hemorrhaging in the lungs and oxygen deprivation in the brain.

Despite Tyreek appearing well-nourished and physically fit, these injuries raise red flags about the circumstances surrounding his death.

[01:39] Narrator (Graham Hetrick): "Tyreek's body shows signs of injury...which would be up to the pathologist to stitch together these findings into an official report."

The Role of Coroner Graham Hetrick

Central to the investigation is Graham Hetrick, the county coroner known for his authoritative presence and his true crime reality series, I Speak for the Dead. Hetrick has a reputation for his definitive conclusions on causes of death, making his findings in Tyreek's case particularly impactful.

However, in Tyreek's case, Graham's conclusions diverge from previous reports, suggesting that Tyreek's death was not due to natural causes but rather indicative of foul play or systemic issues within the prison. This revelation threatens to unveil a disturbing pattern of neglect and possible abuse within Dauphin County Prison.

[01:39] Narrator: "Graham Hetrick's conclusions about why Tyrique died would unleash a furious response and expose a fact that local officials were trying hard to hide."

Reactions from Family and Inmates

The episode captures raw emotions and frustrations from both Tyreek's family and current inmates, highlighting the pervasive mistrust and despair within the prison community.

[05:08] Inmate: "I knew I was gonna die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you gotta get me out of here."

This sentiment echoes the fears of many incarcerated individuals who feel abandoned and unsafe, further fueling suspicions about the handling of deaths within the facility.

[05:12] Tyreek Riley's Family Member: "Dauphin county is the worst jail ever. How they treat us there? People rather die."

Uncovering Systemic Corruption

As Lamont Jones delves deeper, the episode reveals a systemic issue within Dauphin County Prison, where multiple deaths under questionable circumstances suggest a pattern of neglect or intentional harm. The involvement of high-ranking officials and the suppression of whistleblowers indicate a concerted effort to maintain the status quo and conceal the truth.

The narrative also touches upon the broader cultural and societal factors that allow such corruption to thrive, questioning why these injustices persist and how influential figures within the system can manipulate outcomes to protect their interests.

[05:18] Advocate or Activist: "Shame on every single person responsible for the death of so many people inside of this building here."

The Pursuit of Justice

"Death County, PA" is not just a recounting of past events but an ongoing narrative of Lamont's fight for justice. His determination exemplifies the struggle faced by many families seeking answers and accountability in the face of institutional resistance.

The episode underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for systemic reform to prevent further tragedies. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind each statistic and the vital role of investigative efforts in uncovering hidden truths.

[05:28] Tyreek Riley's Family Member: "Why you gotta die, die, die, die, die. Oh, so young."

Conclusion

In this compelling episode, Scamfluencers sheds light on the dark underbelly of Dauphin County Prison through the lens of Tyreek Riley's untimely death and Lamont Jones' unwavering quest for the truth. By intertwining personal stories with broader institutional critiques, the episode paints a vivid picture of corruption and the enduring fight for justice within America's prison systems.

For listeners seeking a thorough exploration of these issues, Death County, PA offers a riveting narrative that highlights the critical need for accountability and reform.

Note: To experience the full depth of this story, listeners are encouraged to tune into the Death County, PA episode on the Wondery app or via Apple Podcasts and Spotify.