Drug Overdose and Stroke Blamed for Recent Inmate Deaths at Wisconsin Prison

Dodge County Medical Examiner PJ Schoebel revealed that thirty-year-old Tyshun Lemons died on Oct. 2 after overdosing on acetyl fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller. Cameron Williams, twenty-four, was found dead at the facility on Oct. 30, with Schoebel attributing his death to a naturally occurring stroke. Dean Hoffman had previously killed himself in solitary confinement in June, and Donald Maier died at the facility in February.

Legal Background of the Deceased

Tyshun Lemons had been sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2015 for being a party to armed robbery and reckless endangerment. Cameron Williams, on the other hand, had been convicted in 2019 of theft and bail jumping.

Investigations

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt mentioned that the deaths of Hoffman and Maier are still under investigation, with no details released by the authorities. The manner in which Lemons obtained the fentanyl also remains undisclosed, with the Department of Corrections officials yet to respond to inquiries.

Lawsuits and Conditions at the Facility

Lockdowns were implemented at Waupun, Green Bay and Stanley prisons last year due to a shortage of guards. A federal lawsuit filed by a group of Waupun inmates in October claimed that the lockdown conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. Additionally, Hoffmann’s daughter filed a federal lawsuit alleging inadequate mental health care and medications provided to her father during his time at the facility.

Current Situation

Stanley prison has resumed normal operations, and while movement restrictions have eased at Waupun and Green Bay, some limitations persist.