Waupun prison deaths grow: Seventh inmate passes away

Another inmate has died at Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. This marks the seventh death since 2023. The prison has been facing many problems, and the latest death adds to the ongoing concerns. Less than a year ago, the former warden and multiple staff members were charged with serious offenses. This includes misconduct and felony inmate abuse. The prison is one of the oldest in the state and has been struggling with issues of care and safety for years.

Damien Evans’ death and the ongoing investigation:

Damien Evans, 23, passed away on Tuesday at the Waupun Correctional Institution. The state Department of Corrections confirmed his death. However, no further details about his death were provided. Dodge County Sheriff’s office is investigating, but they have not shared any information yet. Evans was serving a sentence for armed robbery and bail jumping. He had been in prison since 2019. He was sentenced to seven years for armed robbery and an additional two years for bail jumping, both cases filed in Racine County.

Evans’ death is part of a larger pattern at the prison. Since June 2023, six other inmates have died. These deaths have raised serious questions about the conditions at Waupun. The public is demanding answers about what is happening inside the facility.

The role of former Warden Randall Hepp and staff misconduct at Waupun prison

In connection with these deaths, prosecutors charged the former warden of Waupun, Randall Hepp, with misconduct. Eight staff members were also charged with felony inmate abuse. Three of those staff members were charged with misconduct. The charges were related to the deaths of two inmates, Cameron Williams and Donald Maier. Williams died in October 2023 from a stroke. His body was found at least 12 hours after his death. Maier died in February 2024 from dehydration and malnutrition. He had severe mental health problems but wasn’t given his medication for eight days before he died.

These deaths have sparked outrage. The prison’s failures to care for inmates properly have been under scrutiny for months. It is clear that Waupun’s problems go beyond just the deaths. The allegations against the staff highlight a deeper issue of abuse and neglect within the prison system.

Other recent inmate deaths and investigations into their causes

Several other inmates have died in the last year under mysterious or troubling circumstances. Dean Hoffman took his own life in June 2023. Tyshun Lemons died from a fentanyl overdose in October 2023. In May 2024, Jay Adkins died, and his cause of death is still under investigation. Christopher McDonald passed away in August 2024. The sheriff’s office believes his death was self-inflicted, but it remains under investigation. McDonald had been sentenced to 999 years for a homicide case. These deaths add to the growing list of concerns about Waupun’s ability to manage its inmate population safely.

Federal investigation into smuggling and corruption among Waupun prison staff

On top of these deaths, federal investigators are looking into a smuggling ring at Waupun. Prison employees are suspected of smuggling in illegal items, including cellphones, tobacco, and drugs. In exchange for smuggling these items, they received money. This illegal activity adds another layer of problems for the prison. A former worker admitted to these charges and pleaded guilty in September.

In addition, inmates have filed a class-action lawsuit against the prison. They claim they have been mistreated and denied proper healthcare. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggles of inmates at Waupun, who are not receiving the care they need. This legal action is part of a larger fight for justice and reform inside the prison system.

Prison’s aging infrastructure and the debate over its future

Waupun Correctional Institution is one of the oldest prisons in Wisconsin. It was built in the 1850s and is in poor condition. The facility was originally designed to house 882 inmates. However, as of February 2025, the population stands at 760. The prison is overcrowded, and the building is outdated. Lawmakers from both parties have been calling for years to close the prison. However, the debate over its closure has been complicated by concerns about job losses in the area and the cost of building a replacement facility.

Waupun’s aging infrastructure is a significant issue. The prison was built over 150 years ago, and many of its systems are no longer up to modern standards. The conditions are far from ideal for both inmates and staff. As the number of deaths and allegations of abuse grows, there is a growing push to shut down the facility and build something better for the future.

Governor Evers’ proposal to rebuild Waupun and focus on job training for inmates

Last month, Governor Tony Evers proposed a $500 million plan for the state’s prisons. Part of this plan involves converting Waupun into a medium-security center. The new focus would be on job training for inmates. This would help prepare them for life after prison. Governor Evers’ plan is a response to the growing concerns about Waupun’s condition and the overall prison system. The goal is to create a safer and more rehabilitative environment for inmates. While the proposal has been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that change is needed at Waupun.