Racine County Jail attack; prosecutors intend to file charges
RACINE, Wis. - Prosecutors intend to file charges against a man accused of beating and killing another inmate at the Racine County Jail. The suspect has a lengthy criminal history – and was already in custody for trying to shoot and kill another man several years ago.
Joseph Lee was taken off life support on Sunday, Jan. 5. The 35-year-old was a father. He was serving prison time, but recently transferred to Racine County for an open case. While in the jail, investigators say another inmate attacked him.
"I’m his mother, I’m not supposed to be burying him," said Glora Dugar, Lee's mother.
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Family of Lee gathered on a Sunday afternoon.
"I just need justice to happen," said Terrance Grayson, Lee's brother.
Hours earlier, Lee was taken off life support at a Milwaukee hospital. His organs were donated – to hopefully help others.
Lee's family and attorney are looking for answers.
"It wasn’t right, it’s not right," Dugar said.
"They deserve to know what happened; how it happened." said B’Ivory LaMarr, family attorney.
It was shortly after noon on New Year's Eve. Investigators say Davonte Carraway attacked Lee while in the day room after a security check. Lee was found on the next security check. It is unclear how much time went by between the attack and when the victim was found.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office says no emergency buttons were pressed by any of the other inmates who saw the attack.
Racine County Jail
29-year-old Carraway has a history of adult criminal convictions that date back to 2013 in Wisconsin. He has two pending cases – one a guns and drugs case, another for attempted homicide. In that second case, prosecutors say Carraway shot another man during a shot purchase back in late 2022. When investigators told Carraway the man survived, court filings said Carraway said, "I don't do attempts…If I was gonna shoot someone, they gonna die."
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Lee's autopsy was completed on Monday, Jan. 6.
Racine County Jail attack; inmate off life support, family seeks justice
A Racine County Jail inmate is officially off of life support after his family donated his organs on Sunday, Jan. 5, and said their goodbyes.
The Racine County District Attorney's Office intends to file charges against Carraway this week.
The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation. It is unclear if others will be charged in connection with the attack.