Inmate Murdered After Put in Cell With Killer He Testified Against

[GentleBreeze]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509231,00.html

McALESTER, Okla. — A 23-year-old inmate beaten to death at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary had been put in a cell with convicted killer he had testified against.

[n/t]

ooops..

[RayStar]

This is truly unreal.

[Amy]

Originally Posted by GentleBreeze

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509231,00.html

McALESTER, Okla. — A 23-year-old inmate beaten to death at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary had been put in a cell with convicted killer he had testified against.

Whatever happened to administrative leave whilst an investigation is going on? You'd think all in that area, or all that had the authority for inmate placement that were on duty @ the time would be suspended until this is sorted out.

WTH did whomever made the decision think? Maybe s/he was po'd @ Duran for fighting with the other inmate (and maybe he had a propensity for fighting) and decided to teach him a lesson by putting him in the cell with Dalton? Whatever, the person who made the decision should be fired, plain and simple. IMO.

[GentleBreeze]

Originally Posted by Amy

Whatever happened to administrative leave whilst an investigation is going on? You'd think all in that area, or all that had the authority for inmate placement that were on duty @ the time would be suspended until this is sorted out.

WTH did whomever made the decision think? Maybe s/he was po'd @ Duran for fighting with the other inmate (and maybe he had a propensity for fighting) and decided to teach him a lesson by putting him in the cell with Dalton? Whatever, the person who made the decision should be fired, plain and simple. IMO.

If she/he purposefully did this to teach him a lesson, then she/he should be tried for at least, reckless homicide. Her/his duty is to keep each inmate safe and secure at all times.

This was a very bad move and I have a feeling heads are going to roll once more information comes out and they are going to pay out big because I believe his family will file a wrongful death lawsuit soon.

imo

[GentleBreeze]

Originally Posted by forensicpsy~

So far nobody has been suspended? Whaaaa?

http://newsok.com/inmates-death-dash...rticle/3353328

Unbelievable.

Originally Posted by Amy

Whatever happened to administrative leave whilst an investigation is going on? You'd think all in that area, or all that had the authority for inmate placement that were on duty @ the time would be suspended until this is sorted out.

WTH did whomever made the decision think? Maybe s/he was po'd @ Duran for fighting with the other inmate (and maybe he had a propensity for fighting) and decided to teach him a lesson by putting him in the cell with Dalton? Whatever, the person who made the decision should be fired, plain and simple. IMO.

If this was intentional placement, the responsible party needs to be tried in a court of law along with anyone else who knew what was going on and didn't prevent it, not just fired.

Yep, I can see a guard being perturbed with an inmate who engages in fighting and creating havoc in the cell block, that's why they have segregation cells.

No way in the world a guard gets to decide it's alright to intentionally place an inmate in danger of physical harm ultimately resulting in their death. This is so far outside their realm of authority it isn't even on the chart.


If OTOH there was a lack of information available to the guards who needed it, the administration of the facility needs a total overhaul as they pay through the nose for wrongful death.

[aubrey04]

That makes me sick. People talk about jailhouse justice all the time.. well, look who got to have their kicks again by murdering someone else.. the child murderer. As far as I am concerned, co-defendants shouldn't even be housed in the same prison unit. Yes, someones head should roll for this one. imo.

[NatalieB]

Originally Posted by GentleBreeze

If she/he purposefully did this to teach him a lesson, then she/he should be tried for at least, reckless homicide. Her/his duty is to keep each inmate safe and secure at all times.

This was a very bad move and I have a feeling heads are going to roll once more information comes out and they are going to pay out big because I believe his family will file a wrongful death lawsuit soon.

imo

My husband worked as a CO in a state prison for 5 years. He used to tell of many stories like this where things were done intentionally to get inmates a good beating. A lot of times, it was the COs themselves that were doing it.

It's uncalled for and anyone caught up in this behavior should not only be let go, but should be facing charges too.

[Luckys_Wife]

A convicted murderer was murdered...can you say KARMA..

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

A convicted murderer was murdered...can you say KARMA..

Actually, a 16 year old kid at the time was so remorseful that an associate killed someone that he turned states evidence and apologized to the family for his involvement.

The murderer, the only convicted murderer in this situation was then allowed to kill the 16 year old kid (now 23) who testified against him.

Perhaps you didn't give the articles the attention to detail they deserved. Otherwise, I'd suggest you might want to beware that Karma yourself.

[Luckys_Wife]

Originally Posted by interested

Actually, a 16 year old kid at the time was so remorseful that an associate killed someone that he turned states evidence and apologized to the family for his involvement.

The murderer, the only convicted murderer in this situation was then allowed to kill the 16 year old kid (now 23) who testified against him.

Perhaps you didn't give the articles the attention to detail they deserved. Otherwise, I'd suggest you might want to beware that Karma yourself.

Hi Interested- I am actually familar with this case, and although you believe he was remorseful because he apologized to the family, I happen to disagree. He was offered a plea deal and took it. He choose to enter a house with a gun..right along side of Dalton. I don't know about you but I have been a victim of an intruder into my own home and I for one don't care how old or young someone is when they decide to make innocent people victims. He should have thought about the consequences of his crime before he commited it.. IMOO

[LadyBlue]

wow. Somebody should be help responsible for that...Purposely putting the guy in a cell with the inmate who testified against him is not karma, it's a criminal act on the part of someone "in charge' I hope someone is charged.

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

Hi Interested- I am actually familar with this case, and although you believe he was remorseful because he apologized to the family, I happen to disagree. He was offered a plea deal and took it. He choose to enter a house with a gun..right along side of Dalton. I don't know about you but I have been a victim of an intruder into my own home and I for one don't care how old or young someone is when they decide to make innocent people victims. He should have thought about the consequences of his crime before he commited it.. IMOO

He murdered no one, and he was not a convicted murderer, he was a 16 year old kid who made some bad decisions and owned up to his responsibility.

So again, perhaps you should be wary of the Karma repercussions yourself.

[Luckys_Wife]

Originally Posted by interested

He murdered no one, and he was not a convicted murderer, he was a 16 year old kid who made some bad decisions and owned up to his responsibility.

So again, perhaps you should be wary of the Karma repercussions yourself.

They broke into the home of a family and held them at gunpoint to rob them...just a mistake..Are you kidding me? I don't care whether he pulled the trigger or not he WAS there and very much involved. Would you say the same thing about young gang members killing people? Are they just making mistakes? I don't think so.. I think this 16 year old was well on his way to becoming a career criminal. Home invasion, armed robbery..and remember he was moved from his cell for fighting with another inmate...not a model prisoner.

[NatalieB]

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

A convicted murderer was murdered...can you say KARMA..

Karma that the state will more than likely be sued in the millions because COs can't do their job properly?

For anyone who believes in our criminal justice system, vigilante justice has no roll.

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

They broke into the home of a family and held them at gunpoint to rob them...just a mistake..Are you kidding me? I don't care whether he pulled the trigger or not he WAS there and very much involved. Would you say the same thing about young gang members killing people? Are they just making mistakes? I don't think so.. I think this 16 year old was well on his way to becoming a career criminal. Home invasion, armed robbery..and remember he was moved from his cell for fighting with another inmate...not a model prisoner.

The sentence for which is not the DP. Your point?

[Amy]

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

A convicted murderer was murdered...can you say KARMA..

I think you have that wrong. The kid who was murdered in the prison cell is not the convicted murderer. It was the convicted murderer who has now murdered another person.

[Briar]

To assume that this kid couldn't be rehabilitated is just ignorant. The convicted murder go a fair trial and was sentenced in a court of law. This kid got the death penalty by a criminal judge, jury, and executioner. Where is the karma in that??? Thank God YOU aren't in charge of deciding what is just. Assuming that because we ALL make stupid mistakes is a sure indication that we'll all be murderers someday is just self righteous and ignorant.

MHO.

The bright side? The real murderer will be parked in prison on our dime. Twisted logic.

[Luckys_Wife]

Originally Posted by Briar

To assume that this kid couldn't be rehabilitated is just ignorant. The convicted murder go a fair trial and was sentenced in a court of law. This kid got the death penalty by a criminal judge, jury, and executioner. Where is the karma in that??? Thank God YOU aren't in charge of deciding what is just. Assuming that because we ALL make stupid mistakes is a sure indication that we'll all be murderers someday is just self righteous and ignorant.

MHO.

The bright side? The real murderer will be parked in prison on our dime. Twisted logic.

Let's just say I won't lose any sleep over this!

[Briar]

Originally Posted by Luckys_Wife

Let's just say I won't lose any sleep over this!

Well you have something in common with Dalton then.

[gnm109]

One of the other prisoners would eventually have killed him anyway when the opportunity arose. People who testify against others usually don't last long in prison. It's against the unwritten "prison code".

This sort of thing happens every day in prisons across the land. There's a saying among career criminals that "snitches get stiches".

If the victim/prisoner entered a home with another person to commit a robbery, he was "acting in concert" . Each party to a felony is equally guilty in most jurisdictions regardless of who pulls the trigger. That's the basis of the felony murder rule if no other theory of culpability is handy for the prosecution.

[kitty1182]

Do not click on link by canadapm..............

[Briar]

Originally Posted by kitty1182

Do not click on link by canadapm..............

Is it spam?

[aubrey04]

Originally Posted by gnm109

One of the other prisoners would eventually have killed him anyway when the opportunity arose. People who testify against others usually don't last long in prison. It's against the unwritten "prison code".

This sort of thing happens every day in prisons across the land. There's a saying among career criminals that "snitches get stiches".

If the victim/prisoner entered a home with another person to commit a robbery, he was "acting in concert" . Each party to a felony is equally guilty in most jurisdictions regardless of who pulls the trigger. That's the basis of the felony murder rule if no other theory of culpability is handy for the prosecution.

If that is true then why aren't there more murders in prison? That's just a myth..

He should never have been let into the same cell as this psychopath.. and I hope whoever is responsible for letting that happens gets fired, at the very least. This should NOT have happened.

[dref99]

Originally Posted by aubrey04

If that is true then why aren't there more murders in prison? That's just a myth..

He should never have been let into the same cell as this psychopath.. and I hope whoever is responsible for letting that happens gets fired, at the very least. This should NOT have happened.

I can hardly believe this story & I would hope whoever did it gets a just punishment.

That some people think this is Karma or prison justice is beyond my comprehension. Regardless as to what they have done, prison is supposed to relate to punishment and rehabilitation, not a place to be raped, murdered or otherwise damaged.

jmo

[aubrey04]

Originally Posted by dref99

I can hardly believe this story & I would hope whoever did it gets a just punishment.

That some people think this is Karma or prison justice is beyond my comprehension. Regardless as to what they have done, prison is supposed to relate to punishment and rehabilitation, not a place to be raped, murdered or otherwise damaged.

jmo

I agree... and sadly, the murderer, Jessie James Dalton (what a name), got to have his kicks and get revenge because some idiot dropped the ball. It is unbelievable that this happened.

ETA - here is an article which had pictures of both Dalton & Duran.

http://newsok.com/prison-fight-at-ok...rticle/3352875

[gnm109]

Originally Posted by aubrey04

If that is true then why aren't there more murders in prison? That's just a myth..

He should never have been let into the same cell as this psychopath.. and I hope whoever is responsible for letting that happens gets fired, at the very least. This should NOT have happened.

I agree that it shouldn't have happened. The victim shold have been segregated as is pretty much standard procedure where there is prior criminal relationship beterrn two prisoners.

Sadly, killling snitches in prison is, however, not a myth as you say. The reason that there are not more murders in prisons is that snitches are generally segregated in Security Housing Unit (SHU) or in some other living situation where the snitchees can't get at them. If they were not, they would all die and quickly.

To say that a group or individual member of a prison gang (that would be almost everyone) that has someone rat on them won't attempt retailation is not the way it happens. The guards know this and so does everyone else. In the pecking order in prisons, snitches are at the same level at child molesters. They are basically fair game.

It's not only in prisons, either. The same thing happens on the street. Retaliations against so-called "rats" are part of "taking care of business" for the criminals whose activities are revealed by snitches.

Surely you've read the newspapers regarding this issue. For example, Mexican Mafia, Nortenos, Surenos, Bloods, Crips, motorcycle gangs such as Hells Angels, Mongols, Pagans, Hessians, Outlaws, Bandidos, Organized crime, etc. All are known for payback, in and out of prison.

It's rather well-documented.

I rest my case and await your astute, well-reasoned contradiction.

[Tokyo Rose]

While I agree he shouldn't have even been in the same cell block as the others, I wonder if he raised a fuss being put in that cell. There are witnesses if he did or didn't I'm sure.. That would have warned the guards not to put him there. In a prison, guards can't remember everyone.

While he was only 16 when this happened, he did commit a home invasion robbery where they were all carrying guns. When everyone is carrying a gun, there is a high risk someone will shoot. Even though he didn't pull the trigger and was remorseful after the fact to get a deal, even a 16 year old knew the score.

Someone died in that house and that is the true victim here, still and forever.

Somehow, I'm having trouble getting outraged over this incident although I do feel sad for the family.

As far as the guards go, that has to be investigated as to how that happened. Until then, I have no opinion on that.

JMO

Originally Posted by Tokyo Rose

While I agree he shouldn't have even been in the same cell block as the others, I wonder if he raised a fuss being put in that cell. There are witnesses if he did or didn't I'm sure.. That would have warned the guards not to put him there. In a prison, guards can't remember everyone.

(snipped)

As far as the guards go, that has to be investigated as to how that happened. Until then, I have no opinion on that.

JMO

Pick whichever article you like:

http://newsok.com/inmates-death-dash...rticle/3353328

Smith said he’s trying to find out how Duran ended up in a cell with Dalton. Since Duran testified against Dalton, the two men were ineligible to share a cell.

That type of information is normally listed in a prisoner’s file, and it’s the responsibility of the supervising guards to check the file before assigning a prisoner a new cell mate, state Corrections Department spokesman Jerry Massie said.

It is the responsibility of the Supervising guard to check the file prior to assigning a new cell mate. They don't expect anyone to remember anything, they expect them to do their job & read the dang file.

As for the crimes committed by Duran as a teen, he was serving his sentence for those. No one had the right to put him to death.

[Tokyo Rose]

Originally Posted by interested

He murdered no one, and he was not a convicted murderer, he was a 16 year old kid who made some bad decisions and owned up to his responsibility.

So again, perhaps you should be wary of the Karma repercussions yourself.

What was he convicted of?? He was with a murderer, carrying a gun, and just as guilty. Personally, I don't see the difference with a criminal being 16 yoa or 60. He was only remorseful to get a deal. Besides, what criminal isn't remorseful and finding GOD for their own selfish reasons.

He knew right from wrong.

JMO

[Tokyo Rose]

Originally Posted by Briar

To assume that this kid couldn't be rehabilitated is just ignorant. The convicted murder go a fair trial and was sentenced in a court of law. This kid got the death penalty by a criminal judge, jury, and executioner. Where is the karma in that??? Thank God YOU aren't in charge of deciding what is just. Assuming that because we ALL make stupid mistakes is a sure indication that we'll all be murderers someday is just self righteous and ignorant.

MHO.

The bright side? The real murderer will be parked in prison on our dime. Twisted logic.

How can you equate this to the death penalty? How can you say this "kid" got the death penalty by a judge and jury. That is simply not true. He did the crime and was doing the time.

He is responsible for what he did and what happened to him. The buck stops with him. Personally, I don't think he deserved to get a deal. He wouldn't have, but was needed to convict the other one. A deal with the devil so to speak.

He was a flip that turned into a snitch. He got in a fight and had to be moved quickly. Too bad he wasn't a model prisoner being filled with all that remorse and all.

JMO

[Tokyo Rose]

Originally Posted by interested

Pick whichever article you like:

http://newsok.com/inmates-death-dash...rticle/3353328



It is the responsibility of the Supervising guard to check the file prior to assigning a new cell mate. They don't expect anyone to remember anything, they expect them to do their job & read the dang file.

As for the crimes committed by Duran as a teen, he was serving his sentence for those. No one had the right to put him to death.

Do you think the family of the man who died in his own home are upset over this? The three thugs who were responsible for his death gave him the DP.

[Jayne]

Oh, wow. He should not have been put in the same cell as the person he turned state's evidence against. Bottom line.

I've read others' posts here, and I sense a lot of emotion and "justice be done"..which, yes, it should be - to anyone or everyone who violated the "not the same cell" provision/rule. But, this man at 16 committed a felony - great, I suppose, that he turned for the prosecution, but he was "in concert" with the other(s). It was a plea deal...limited immunity apparently since he was also convicted. And, why did he cooperate? Don't know..lesser time in prison? Did he think he'd actually "get off"? (I doubt it)..was he a model prisoner..remorseful as other posters have written? Hardly - if he was fighting with another prisoner..IF..he was the assaulter..IF defending himself..or maybe the guards couldn't tell who started it and removed him..but to put him in with the snake he turned on was outrageous..vigilante justice is what it sounds like if it were deliberate.

One of my favourite posters here said something to the effect that prison is for punishment and rehabilitation..not rape, etc. etc. True...it is. And, this will sound horrible...but how can you really rehabilitate a seasoned criminal? I've many thoughts on it..but let it go right now. As for the punishment part of it? He was in jail..but he should not have been put in the same cage with a co-defendant. Had he not been put there but elsewhere, wouldn't he have more charges against him..IF he started that earlier fight? Seems like the street laws..pretty much carry over into prison. That young boy made a choice..but was it for self preservation? or true remorse? Seems to me..that if one participates in a crime..you do the time...if you turn your back on the cohorts, you probably will still do the time with a Mark on your Head.

I never felt comfortable with "limited ammunity"...and maybe, if this is what it was back then, this is an example of what might happen? What guarantee does a convicted defendant have..when having "turned" that s/he will be "safe" in prison? (As if Prison is a safe haven anyway..for what? I'd say the wrongfully convicted, perhaps? If they truly are "safe" and have the time and opportunity to be redeemed by justice?)

I read that the DA is considering filing charges..WHAT does that mean? Against whom? Certainly the prisoner who murdered him...think? As for the guards, etc. absolutely..but determine if it was criminal intent, negligence or plain civil stupidity...then the family has a wrongful death case, too. But, then the poetic irony...should they win a huge case for wrongful death...how about the family who was victim to the invasion and death of a man...did they win a wrongful death action? Maybe they did...I don't know. But, it seems rather unfair..yet this death was uncalled for..somebody messed up..intentionally or negligently.

jmo

j

[Tokyo Rose]

I believe charges will be filed against the inmate who killed the other inmate. I think if the guards get any discipline, it will be administrative and not criminal.

I don't believe the dead inmates family will get much if they sue.

I think prisons attempt to keep prisoners as safe as they can, but there are no guarantees.

It is very hard and very dangerous to be a guard in a prison.

JMO

[StarShine]

Originally Posted by GentleBreeze

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509231,00.html

McALESTER, Okla. — A 23-year-old inmate beaten to death at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary had been put in a cell with convicted killer he had testified against.

OMG....sometimes I think the guards just look the other way.

[Tokyo Rose]

Originally Posted by forensicpsy~

From the Oklahoma Department of Correction website:

"Our Mission:

To protect the public
To protect the employee
To protect the offender"

http://www.doc.state.ok.us/

A Correction Officer is a very, very difficult and stressful job but -- inmates are always under the care, custody and control of the DOC. The officer(s) responsible for this should be terminated.


imo

Seriously, prisons can't guarantee the protection of offenders in the prison system. Especially in the general population. There are far too many snitches with marks on their heads. I have never known any prisons that have a special isolation area for snitches. That would be half the population.

Sounds like this inmate was wanting to fight. He fought with one inmate and was put in another cell. He could have started that fight also, and it was self defense.

Maybe the isolation was lifted because they WERE in the same cell block, and would have constant contact for all activity as a group. Time in the yard. Time in the cafeteria. Time in the showers. We just don't know the circumstances surrounding this incident.

JMO

[GentleBreeze]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Rose

I believe charges will be filed against the inmate who killed the other inmate. I think if the guards get any discipline, it will be administrative and not criminal.

I don't believe the dead inmates family will get much if they sue.

I think prisons attempt to keep prisoners as safe as they can, but there are no guarantees.

It is very hard and very dangerous to be a guard in a prison.

JMO

By the looks of it is seems it is very hard and very dangerous for some inmates too, especially those who have testified against another inmate and are put in the same cell with them.

No, this guard did not make it as safe as they could. They put him in jeopardy of being violently killed and he was.

imo

[LisaM22]

Originally Posted by GentleBreeze

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509231,00.html

McALESTER, Okla. — A 23-year-old inmate beaten to death at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary had been put in a cell with convicted killer he had testified against.

wow, what were they thinking

[LisaM22]

Originally Posted by aura

Actually, in a situation such as this, these two inmates should not have been housed in the same facility - let alone the same cell. Oklahoma sure has a strange criminal justice system.



JMO

exactly...