Wondery has announced its latest investigative documentary podcast series, "Death County, PA," set to premiere on April 14 for Wondery+ subscribers and April 28 for general audiences across all podcast platforms. This meticulously researched series examines the alarming pattern of inmate deaths at Pennsylvania's Dauphin County Prison through a compelling narrative framework.
"The podcast sheds light on the systemic issues plaguing the Dauphin County Prison and prisons across America, from medical neglect and abuse to outright corruption." — Wondery
Hosted by Joshua Vaughn, an award-winning investigative reporter with PennLive and adjunct lecturer at Penn State University's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, the series follows the remarkable journey of Lamont Jones. After his incarceration in Dauphin County Prison, Jones transforms from former inmate to community advocate and elected official when his healthy 22-year-old cousin dies under suspicious circumstances just two weeks after entering the same facility.
The investigation reveals a disturbing pattern: dozens of inmates have died under questionable conditions at this institution. As Vaughn and Jones pursue answers, they encounter significant resistance from prison authorities and local government officials determined to maintain secrecy around these deaths.
The narrative contrasts Jones' transformation from prisoner to justice advocate with the controversial figure of Graham Hetrick, the county coroner whose self-promoting approach to his role creates a compelling tension throughout the series. This juxtaposition highlights fundamental questions about accountability and ethical responsibility in the criminal justice system.
"Death County, PA is the latest in a string of high-impact investigative series from Wondery, including Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University, Scam Factory, Kill List, and more." — Wondery
Produced in collaboration with Advance Local, one of America's largest media groups, "Death County, PA" builds on Vaughn's extensive criminal justice reporting. His previous work includes developing Pennsylvania's first comprehensive database of jail deaths with support from the Pulitzer Center in 2023. The series not only documents systemic failures but also demonstrates how determined community advocacy can challenge entrenched institutional problems and potentially drive meaningful reform.