Rep. Justin Humphrey of Oklahoma has raised concerns about the state’s Department of Corrections (DOC), suggesting possible misconduct involving the concealment of inmate deaths. According to the Oklahoma House of Respresentatives website, Humphrey, vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee, investigated 28 inmate deaths over an 18-month period at a single facility.
Based on information from the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) provided on March 18, Humphrey found that seven of the deaths were ruled homicides. The report also listed four accidental deaths, one natural cause, three suicides, one unknown cause, and five cases still pending. Additionally, seven names from the original list were not found in the OCME database. In response, Humphrey requested the DOC release the investigation reports for the deaths classified as homicides.
Humphrey stated that the DOC took over a month to release the requested reports, despite the OCME having already completed them. He raised concerns over what he described as excessive redactions in the documents, saying much of the information was blacked out. He questioned the delay and level of redaction, suggesting it hindered transparency.
In comments published by the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Humphrey used strong language to express frustration with the DOC’s handling of the situation, indicating a need for greater transparency in how the department manages and reports inmate deaths.
The Department of Corrections has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. Humphrey’s inquiry may lead to further examination of the department’s procedures and policies regarding inmate death investigations.
