NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-15) CONTACT Kimberly McGill, Public Information Officer, Nebraska State Penitentiary OFFICE 402-479-3227 | kimberly.mcgill@nebraska.gov

June 13, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Dennis Shupe (49), inmate #86866, died at 4:20 PM on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Shupe was serving 5 to 10 years for second degree assault from Thurston County. His sentence began on December 13, 2017; he had a projected release date of November 23, 2021.

While the cause of his death has not been determined, Shupe was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-14)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

June 7, 2018 (LINCOLN) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes announced the appointment of Robert Madsen to serve as deputy director for prisons and Michele Capps to serve as warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). These appointments follow the recent organizational restructuring and promotion of Diane Sabatka-Rine from deputy director to chief of operations.

“Throughout their careers, Robert and Michele have consistently demonstrated their commitment to corrections,” said...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-14)

CONTACT Kimberly McGill, Public Information Officer, Nebraska State Penitentiary

OFFICE 402-479-3227 | kimberly.mcgill@nebraska.gov

June 5, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Cornelius Black Bonnette (72), inmate #34541, died at 10:40 AM on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Mr. Black Bonnette was serving a life-to-life sentence for murder in the 1st degree from Lancaster County. His sentence began on August 23, 1982.

While the cause of his death has not been determined, he was being treated for long-term medical conditions. As is the case whenever an...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-A6)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

May 17, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) will be participating in a TEDx event, hosted at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW) on May 18.

“Being part of a TEDx event is a unique experience,” NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes said. “It brings an almost indescribable energy to the facility, which will be inspiring to participants and viewers alike.”

The event at NCCW is licensed by the nonprofit TED...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-13)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

May 8, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – William J. Bland (68), #78761, died today at 6:15 a.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. His sentence began on September 12, 2013. He was serving a 10 to 14 year sentence for possession of a controlled substance/cocaine (habitual criminal) from Lancaster County.

Cause of death has not been determined. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will conduct an...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-13)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

April 28, 2018 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Adrian Eagle Elk (29), inmate #64741, died on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the Johnson County Hospital. He was assigned to the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.

At approximately 7:00 a.m., staff members observed Eagle Elk unresponsive in his cell from an apparent suicide attempt. They immediately initiated CPR; Eagle Elk was transferred to the local hospital via emergency responders, where he was pronounced dead at 7:58 a.m....Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-12)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

April 10, 2018 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Isaiah Jones (74), #33355, died today at 1:35 a.m. at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. His sentence began on Feb. 25, 1981. He was serving a life sentence for first degree murder (Douglas County).

Cause of death has not been determined; Jones was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-11)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 20, 2018 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Rueben Reyes (34), inmate #77306, died on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at the Johnson County Hospital. He was assigned to the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., staff members observed Reyes unresponsive in his cell from an apparent suicide attempt. They immediately began CPR; Reyes was transferred to the local hospital via emergency responders, where he was pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m.

Reyes was...Read more

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