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Died in jail or a lockup

Joseph Lee

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

Joseph Lee, a father of three children, died after he was attacked in the day room of the Racine County Jail on December 31, 2024. His former fiancée, Alyssa Sura, described him as a complicated but caring man who loved his children deeply. He was flown to Froedtert Hospital, declared brain dead, and kept on life support until January 5, 2025, when his family chose to donate his organs. Another person held at the jail has been charged in his death, and a criminal complaint says the attack lasted about 47 seconds. According to court filings, staff did not reach him for about 20 minutes, while the Racine County Sheriff's Office said a corrections officer had completed a safety check before the attack, and his family wants to know why supervision failed.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). A fellow detainee attacked Lee in the dayroom, and his family questions how staff supervised the pod and why no officer intervened sooner, while the sheriff's office says the attack lasted under a minute and no other inmates pressed emergency buttons.

Reported by: Racine County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Kenosha County Sheriff's Department (the agency that held him); criminal complaint; Lee's family and their attorney (family or their lawyers); Racine County District Attorney's Office (outside investigators); Racine County Eye (reporters).

Custody: Serving a sentence.

Lawsuit: His family has said they are pursuing a wrongful death claim, and no lawsuit amount has been reported.

Sources (20)

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