A Wisconsin teenager has admitted to killing a prison guard during a violent altercation but is claiming he should not be held criminally responsible due to mental illness.
Guilty Plea and Upcoming Trial
Javarius Hurd, aged 17, entered a dual plea of guilty/not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to one count of second-degree reckless homicide on Friday 9 January 2026. The charge relates to the death of guard Corey Proulx. Hurd also pleaded guilty to one count of battery by a prisoner, with prosecutors dropping a second battery count as part of the agreement.
The case now moves to a crucial trial phase in February. A jury will be tasked with determining whether Hurd was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the incident and, if so, whether it prevented him from conforming his conduct to the law. Their verdict will decide if he is sentenced to prison or committed to a mental health institution.
"Javarius entered into a plea agreement that partially resolves the case involving the sad and tragic death of (Proulx)," said Hurd's attorney, Aaton Nelson, in a statement. "Javarius, who has had a life filled with trauma and suffering, realizes that nothing will compensate the victims for their loss."
The Fatal Incident at Lincoln Hills
According to official court documents, the tragedy unfolded in June 2024 at the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lakes School, Wisconsin's sole youth prison facility located in the state's far north. Hurd, then 16, became enraged with a female counsellor, accusing her of abusing her authority.
The situation escalated when Hurd threw soap at the counsellor and punched her. He then fled into the courtyard, where guard Corey Proulx pursued him in an attempt to intervene. Hurd punched Proulx multiple times, causing the guard to fall, strike his head on the pavement, and suffer fatal injuries. Despite his age, Hurd was charged in an adult court.
Another inmate, Rian Nyblom, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a party to battery for his role. Prosecutors stated Nyblom, aware of Hurd's anger, procured extra soap and conditioner from guards and secretly passed it to Hurd about 15 minutes before the attack. Nyblom was sentenced to five years in prison in August 2025.
Broader Context and Political Fallout
The fatal incident occurred against a troubled backdrop for the Lincoln Hills facility, which has long been plagued by allegations of staff misconduct, including excessive use of force. A 2017 federal lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union led to a consent decree in 2018, banning practices like the use of pepper spray and mechanical restraints.
Proulx's death reignited political debate. Some Republican lawmakers and prison staff called for greater leeway in disciplining incarcerated youths. However, Democratic Governor Tony Evers rejected these calls, maintaining that conditions were gradually improving. A court-appointed monitor reported in October 2025 that the prison was fully compliant with the decree for the first time.
For years, state legislators have sought to close Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake, planning to replace it with smaller regional prisons. These facilities remain under construction, meaning the controversial institution continues to operate for the foreseeable future.
