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WAUPUN, Wis. — Another inmate death was reported at Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI), the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) said.

WCI contacted DCSO at 7:25 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5 and reported the death of inmate Christopher McDonald. DCSO said it is currently investigating the death, but said officials believe it “was likely a self-inflicted incident.”

DCSO said, per the agency’s initial investigation, WCI staff responded “rapidly and appropriately” once they knew what had happened. DCSO said WCI staff tried to save the inmate’s life and provided medical care to the deceased inmate.

DCSO said the Wisconsin Department of Corrections is cooperating with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

This is the fifth inmate death at WCI since June 2023. In June 2023, 60-year-old inmate Dean Hoffmann died by suicide when he was in solitary confinement. In Oct. 2023, 30-year-old inmate Tyshun Lemons died due to overdosing on acetyl fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller. Later that month, 24-year-old inmate Cameron Williams died of a stroke. In Feb. 2024, 62-year-old inmate Donald Maier died; DCSO said his death was ruled a homicide due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Nine prison staff members — including former warden Randall Hepp — have been charged in Williams and Maier’s deaths. The now-former staffers face a mix of abuse and misconduct charges. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.