Exposing the Silence: Reporting on Deaths in Custody
- Elizabeth Clemons
- Jul 18
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Workshop Recording
Join The Marshall Project, Arizona Luminaria, Ocala Gazette, and Sunlight Research Center for a hands-on workshop on investigating deaths in custody — a largely underreported and deeply consequential issue. With limited federal oversight and minimal state enforcement of reporting requirements, many unnatural deaths in correctional facilities go unreported. This session will equip journalists with the tools and context needed to expose systemic failures that can have tragic consequences.
Uncovering the invisible: Understand why deaths in custody often go unreported, the implications of missing data, and why many experts consider this a public health emergency.
Reporting with precision: Learn how to request key records and data to reconstruct the circumstances of a death behind bars — from medical neglect to use-of-force incidents — and how to navigate the legal and bureaucratic barriers that stand in the way.
Experience meets guidance: Hear from journalists Anna Flagg, Michelle Billman, Irene McKisson, Jenn Murty, and Brandi Swicegood, who bring years of investigative and data reporting experience on this issue. They will share practical strategies and insights from their work covering deaths in custody.
Make sure to check out the accompanying tip sheet from the session!
Questions or comments about Sunlight's workshops and resources? Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@sunlightresearch.net.