Last year, the WVCBP launched the first-ever online database of people who died in West Virginia jails and prisons. Because the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) does not publicly disclose when a person dies in their facilities, the WVCBP created The Quantez Burks Report, a list of people who died behind bars, updated monthly.
The WVCBP named the report for Quantez Burks, a 37-year-old man who was beaten to death by DCR staff in March 2022. His mother and fiancée spent years fighting for information about his death, then for accountability from the system that allowed it. With their permission, we named the report in his honor and shared glimpses of who he was outside of Southern Regional Jail where he was killed.
Since we published the report in August 2025, we have learned more about the other 343 people who died in DCR facilities. Our new fact sheet provides an overview of state-reported deaths behind bars in the six-year period between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025.
But we learned the most through the information DCR does not provide. To this day, DCR does not tell us the names of people who died inside their facilities. But with the help of loved ones, news reports, court records, and incarcerated people, the WVCBP has been able to put a name to nearly every person who died in the state’s custody.
In many cases, these names led us to their obituaries, filled with photos and remembrances from loved ones.
In some obituaries, loved ones chose to honor people who were incarcerated alongside their family member: “He also helped many of his brothers with substance abuse programs. The time that he spent in prison he gained family and brothers. He and his family will be forever grateful.”
Some obituaries encouraged donations to programs that could save other people’s lives: “Memorial contributions may be made to any drug or alcohol rehabilitation center of your choice.”
Mostly, these obituaries give us glimpses of the lives lost – the people they loved, the work they did, the activities that brought them joy.
We can recognize ourselves in these people who died. We share some of their memory here:
He “served his country in the Vietnam War as a medic. Once he returned home, he spent his life caring for the ill and bringing hope through kindness and a smile working as a nurse at area hospitals until he retired.”
He “had his share of struggles in his life but will be remembered for his smile, crazy wisecracks, infectious laugh, ice cream sandwiches and how very much he loved his family. His girls were a bright spot in his life, and he talked about them often.”
“She enjoyed going 4-wheeling, taking care of flowers/plants and her animals…Most of all, she loved her grandson.”
He “was a coal miner and a United States Army Veteran, having served in Vietnam.”
“If you were having a bad day, he knew how to turn it around and make you smile and laugh. He was a great man with a great smile and beautiful laugh. He would do anything for anyone and would give you the shirt off his back.”
He “loved metal detecting and was a founding member of the South Mountain Relic and Coin Club in Williamsport, MD.”
“He began playing guitar at the early age of eight years old. He practiced daily for many hours and learned many songs.”
“He was known in the community as someone who you could call if you needed a hand.”
“He collected baseball cards. He was known for being a jokester and enjoyed fishing and playing cards. His boys were his pride and joy, and they built many things together.”
“His dad will forever hold dear the days of first hunts, from squirrels to his first 8-point buck, and father-son outings, such as Boy Scout camp. The two spent countless days fishing and practicing archery and bringing home trophies from tournaments around the state.”
He “spent countless hours serving at the local food bank ensuring those in his community received assistance and help.”
“He enjoyed camping, hiking, and mountain biking in the mountains of West Virginia.”
He “enjoyed indulging in his hobbies, which included collecting antiques, drawing, and listening to music. These activities brought him joy and allowed him to express his creativity.”
“Dad worked all his life as a mechanic – big machinery in the mine stripping coal fields and vehicles. He always enjoyed working with his hands. One of the joys of his life was sitting on the porch and playing the guitar and singing to us as we were growing up.”
He “had worked as a farmer and had also worked at various sawmills. He was a talented musician who enjoyed playing the guitar and banjo.”
He “was a devoted son whose relationship with his mother was the cornerstone of his life. Her anticipation of his phone calls was a testament to the joy and comfort that his voice brought her.”
She “was a homemaker. She collected antique Egyptian artifacts. Melissa enjoyed listening to music, watching movies and loved spending time with her family and animals.”
He “retired from the UMWA. He worked in the shaft department and as a core drill operator.”
“At a young age he was taught to crochet by his grandmother and enjoyed crocheting blankets for his family.”
“He loved watching western movies, hunting ginseng and spending time in the outdoors.”
“He loved the arts and excelled at music, particularly the keyboard. Writing his own music was a passion of his.”
“In his free time, he enjoyed old cars, motorcycles, and Gettysburg and the Civil War. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.”
He “was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend.”
You can find our new fact sheet that accompanies this blog post here. The fact sheet provides an overview of state-reported deaths behind bars in the six-year period between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025.
