Corey Proulx : Teen Inmate Charged in Death of Juvenile Prison Staff: Tragic Incident Sparks Investigation and Concerns

(LONDON) — A 16-year-old inmate at a juvenile correctional facility in Wisconsin is facing homicide and murder charges following an incident that resulted in the death of a staff member, court records reveal.

The tragic event took place on Monday night at Lincoln Hills School in Irma, a juvenile correctional facility run by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC).

The staff member, identified as 49-year-old Corey Proulx, sustained critical injuries while trying to restrain a juvenile inmate who had allegedly assaulted another staff member at the school, according to DOC.

Proulx, a youth counselor at Lincoln Hills School, tragically passed away on Tuesday due to his injuries, DOC confirmed.

Suspect Charged as an Adult

The 16-year-old suspect, Javarius Hurd, was charged on Wednesday with second-degree reckless homicide, felony murder-battery, and two counts of battery in connection with the incident, as per a criminal complaint. During a court appearance, a judge ruled that Hurd will be prosecuted as an adult.

Hurd’s bond has been set at $100,000, and he has been instructed not to have any contact with Lincoln Hills School staff or the victims’ family members.

If found guilty on all charges, he could face up to 58 years in prison.

ABC News has sought comment from Hurd’s legal representative.

Details of the Attack

According to the complaint, the teen reportedly harbored “built-up aggression” towards the initial victim, believing that the female staff member was “abusing their power and treating him unfairly.” He allegedly planned to assault her and asked another juvenile for a cup of soap, which he threw at her.

Following this, he allegedly “repeatedly punched” the staff member in her face and upper body before escaping into a courtyard. When Proulx attempted to detain him, Hurd allegedly struck him multiple times unprovoked and delivered two forceful punches to his face.

Proulx fell to the ground unconscious, hitting his head on the pavement. Surveillance footage captured the entire incident, as stated in the complaint.

Tragic Outcome

Proulx was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition and was pronounced brain-dead by the Lincoln County coroner on Tuesday afternoon, according to the criminal complaint.

The female staff member received treatment for her injuries at a hospital and has since been discharged, the complaint added.

No other juvenile inmates were involved in the altercation, DOC clarified.

Tributes and Investigation

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday in memory of Proulx.

“Corey was a dedicated public servant who led with kindness and compassion in his commitment towards helping and supporting the youth he worked with,” Evers expressed in a statement.

DOC Secretary Jared Hoy described Proulx as a “dedicated professional, colleague, and friend,” acknowledging the sacrifices made by correctional staff and their families.

Family members of Proulx remembered him as an “amazing partner, father, son, and human being,” according to DOC.

Call for Safety Measures

State Rep. Michael Schraa, chair of the Assembly’s corrections committee, announced plans to hold an informational hearing on conditions within the DOC following Proulx’s tragic death.

“This incident underscores the critical need for staff to have the necessary tools to ensure their safety and that of other incarcerated individuals,” Schraa stated on Wednesday.