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Died in jail or a lockup

Joseph Lee

30 years old · died January 1, 2025 · Racine County Jail, Racine County, Wisconsin

Joseph Lee, a father of three children, was described by his former fiancée, Alyssa Sura, as a caring man who loved his children deeply. On December 31, 2024, another person held at the Racine County Jail attacked him in a dayroom, and he was flown to Froedtert Hospital, where he was declared brain dead. He remained on life support until January 5, 2025, when his family chose to donate his organs. Surveillance video and court filings, as reported by FOX6 News, say staff did not reach him until about 20 minutes after the attack began, while the Racine County Sheriff's Office said a corrections officer searched the area, moved on to supervise others, and found him on returning. His family has questioned how staff supervised the unit and says it is pursuing a possible wrongful death claim.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). Sheriff's officials and the criminal complaint say another person held in the dayroom attacked Joseph Lee, but surveillance video and court filings show staff did not reach him for about 20 minutes, and his family questions how staff supervised the pod.

Reported by: Racine County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Kenosha County Sheriff's Department (outside investigators); Racine County District Attorney's Office, in the criminal complaint; Racine County court (court); his family and former fiancée Alyssa Sura (family or their lawyers); defense attorney Jamie McClendon (family or their lawyers); Racine County Eye (reporters).

Lawsuit: His family has said they are pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, and no settlement or award is reported.

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Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.