Joseph DeSisto
Joseph DeSisto, 81, died on November 5, 2024, in his cell at the Tucson prison complex in Arizona, where he was held in the custody of the Arizona Department of Corrections. The department said the Pima County medical examiner found natural causes linked to several underlying health conditions, and later said the examiner could not determine an exact cause of death. His cellmate later told officers he had strangled DeSisto, and an autopsy could not confirm a homicide. DeSisto's wife, Debbi, said the family learned of the cellmate's account only months later and plans to file a lawsuit, which alleges prison officials ignored warnings about the danger to him.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The corrections department says the medical examiner found natural causes, later said the cause could not be determined, the family's lawsuit says prison officials ignored warnings about the danger to him, and his cellmate Ricky Wassenaar told officers he strangled him, which the autopsy could not confirm.
Reported by: Arizona Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); Ricky Wassenaar, his cellmate (witnesses).
Lawsuit: His family sued the Arizona Department of Corrections, alleging prison officials ignored warnings about the danger to him, and no amount was reported.
News reports (4)
- He confessed to killing 3 other inmates months ago. The DOC just referred charges for the slayings.
- He confessed to killing 3 other Tucson inmates months ago. The DOC just referred charges for the slayings.
- Family sues AZ over inmate's death, alleging prison ignored killer's warnings
- Death penalty sought against confessed Tucson prison inmate killer