Here & Now Anytime Undercounted: The hidden deaths in America’s jails
Oct 1, 2025
In this discussion, Jay Aronson, an academic and co-author of 'Death in Custody,' uncovers alarming truths about deaths in U.S. jails, revealing that nearly one-third lack clear cause documentation. He highlights enforcement failures and how oversight gaps obscure the reality of in-custody deaths. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions, like Philadelphia's digital wristbands for monitoring inmates' health, which aim to improve emergency responses. Jay emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting to address underlying issues of neglect and abuse.
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Undercounted Deaths Revealed
- The Marshall Project found about 1,000 jail deaths annually from 2019–2023 using an inadvertently published federal database.
- Many deaths are likely undercounted and the dataset omits hundreds of known cases, revealing flawed national reporting.
A Son Who Died While Awaiting Trial
- Derek Strother overdosed on fentanyl and meth while jailed in Oklahoma City before conviction.
- His mother, Deborah Stanton, described daily calls and the shock of being told he died in custody.
Local Control Hides Deaths
- Local control of jails and weak enforcement let jurisdictions withhold death data and avoid transparency.
- Without a full accounting, we can't prevent future deaths or investigate possible wrongdoing.
