Something Was Wrong: Death County, PA - Detailed Summary
Podcast Title: Something Was Wrong
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Episode: Listen Now: Death County, PA
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Introduction
"Something Was Wrong" is an award-winning docuseries produced by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery, delving deep into the harrowing experiences of survivors dealing with discovery, trauma, and recovery from various forms of crime and abuse. In the episode titled "Death County, PA," the series unravels a chilling true story set in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, highlighting themes of corruption, cover-ups, and the relentless pursuit of justice by an individual determined to uncover the truth.
The Tragic Death of Tyreek Riley
The episode opens with the heart-wrenching discovery of Tyreek Riley's death. Tyreek, a 21-year-old Black man, died just two weeks after his arrest and incarceration in Dauphin County Prison. Official reports claimed his death was due to natural causes, but inconsistencies quickly emerged that cast doubt on this narrative.
Narrator: "When Lamont Jones learns his young cousin died in custody just weeks after entering prison, his world shatters." ([00:00])
Tyreek's autopsy revealed numerous injuries that contradicted the official cause of death. The presence of bruises, missing teeth, and extensive abrasions suggested foul play rather than natural causes.
Transcript Description: "Tyreek's body also shows signs of injury... contusions to the mid forehead, abrasions on the lips, cuts on the knuckles, bruising on a forearm... and a 6-inch bruise on the right hip." ([02:15])
Lamont Jones' Pursuit of Truth
Grieving and frustrated by the official explanation, Tyreek's cousin, Lamont Jones, embarked on a quest to uncover the truth behind his death. Faced with the daunting choice of accepting the provided narrative or risking everything to seek justice, Lamont chose the latter, igniting a journey filled with resistance from powerful local forces.
Narrator: "As grief transforms into frustration, Lamont faces an impossible choice: accept the story he's being told or risk everything to uncover the truth about what happened to his cousin." ([00:00])
Lamont's investigation revealed that Tyreek's death was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern within Dauphin County Prison. This revelation pointed to systemic issues and potential corruption aimed at concealing the true circumstances surrounding inmate deaths.
Uncovering a Pattern of Corruption
As Lamont delved deeper, he discovered that Tyreek's death was one among many similar cases in Dauphin County Prison. The pattern suggested that more was happening behind the scenes than officially acknowledged, indicating a possible cover-up orchestrated by those in power.
Narrator: "What begins as one man's search for answers soon reveals a pattern too disturbing to ignore." ([00:32])
Through meticulous research and relentless questioning, Lamont unearthed evidence pointing towards institutional negligence and active efforts to suppress unfavorable information about inmate deaths.
The Role of Coroner Graham Hetrick
A central figure in the investigation is Graham Hetrick, the county coroner known for his public persona as a true crime TV show host with the catchphrase, "I speak for the dead." Hetrick's official role is to determine the cause and manner of deaths, but his conclusions in Tyreek's case raised significant suspicions.
Transcript Description: "Graham's conclusions about why Tyreek died would unleash a furious response and expose a fact that local officials were trying hard to hide." ([03:45])
Hetrick's autopsy report for Tyreek Riley listed natural causes, despite the evident injuries observed. This discrepancy fueled Lamont's determination to challenge the official narrative and seek accountability.
Emotional Testimonies and Whistleblower Insights
The episode features emotional testimonies from family members and inmates who have experienced or witnessed similar injustices within the prison system. These personal accounts highlight the human cost of institutional failures and corruption.
Speaker D: "This is family, and I want to know what happened. I knew I was going to die in there... Dolphin county is the worst jail ever." ([04:54])
Additionally, interviews with whistleblowers shed light on the systemic issues plaguing Dauphin County Prison, offering insider perspectives on the efforts to maintain the status quo and suppress the truth.
Confronting Powerful Adversaries
Lamont's pursuit of justice placed him against formidable opponents, including local officials and influential figures invested in preserving the prison's reputation. His battle underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking to expose deep-seated corruption.
Narrator: "Death County, Pa. pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets." ([00:32])
The narrative illustrates the lengths to which power structures will go to protect their interests, often at the expense of transparency and accountability.
The Fight for Justice Continues
The episode concludes by emphasizing that the fight for justice in Dauphin County is far from over. Lamont's journey serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for others who may be facing similar struggles against oppressive systems.
Narrator: "This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now, and the fight for justice is far from over." ([01:06])
Listeners are encouraged to follow Lamont's ongoing efforts and stay informed about the developments surrounding Dauphin County Prison's dark secrets.
Conclusion
"Death County, PA" is a compelling episode that exposes the grim realities of corruption and cover-ups within the Dauphin County Prison system. Through Lamont Jones' unwavering determination, the podcast highlights the importance of persistence in seeking justice and the impact of individual actions against systemic wrongdoing. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in institutions responsible for upholding the law.
Note: To listen to the full episode of "Death County, PA," visit the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.