Terry Dorrell
Terry Dorrell, from Virginia Beach, died at the Comanche County Detention Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, in August 2024, about ten days after he was taken into the jail. His sister, Katy Dorrell, said he had been working toward building an adult life. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, and the family says the autopsy found more than 20 stab wounds along with multiple blunt force trauma. His mother, Vickie Dorrell, and her attorney say the family has received little information and question staff conduct, including an incident report saying other people held at the jail were asked to drag his body to the door because officers feared entering the cell. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was called in, and the detention center has referred questions to its attorneys because of active litigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide from more than 30 stab wounds, and his family and their attorney question staff conduct, citing an incident report saying other inmates were asked to drag his body to the door because officers feared entering the cell.
Reported by: Oklahoma Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); family and their attorney.
Sources (4)
- OSBI confirms death inside Comanche County Detention Center, family confirms identity
- Family still denied answers from detention center following loved one’s death
- Medical Examiner lists cause of death for inmate who died inside Comanche County Detention Center
- Mother’s attorney provides insight on inmate homicide in CCDC, questions competency of staff