Wisconsin man sentenced to life in prison for killing cellmate because he was Black – WEAU

Report on Hate Crime and Inmate Homicide at Green Bay Correctional Institution

Incident Overview

On August 27, 2024, a fatal incident occurred at the Green Bay Correctional Institution in Wisconsin involving the death of 19-year-old inmate Micah Laureano. Laureano was found strangled in his cell by his cellmate, Jackson Vogel, who was already serving a 20-year sentence for attempted matricide.

Judicial Proceedings and Sentencing

1. Jackson Vogel, aged 25, was charged and found guilty by a jury of first-degree intentional homicide.
2. During the investigation, Vogel admitted to killing Laureano due to Laureano’s race and sexual orientation, identifying the act as a hate crime.
3. Brown County Circuit Judge Donald Zuidmulder sentenced Vogel to life imprisonment without the possibility of extended supervision.
4. Prior to sentencing, Vogel expressed remorse, acknowledging his limitations in understanding emotion but affirming his regret.

Details of the Crime

• Laureano’s body was discovered hanging from the top bunk of the shared cell, with hands and feet bound by orange material.
• Vogel reported that he rendered Laureano unconscious, restrained him, and then strangled him.
• The motive was explicitly linked to racial and sexual orientation bias, highlighting issues of discrimination and violence within correctional facilities.

Institutional Context and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Green Bay Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison established in 1898.
• Governor Tony Evers has proposed closing the facility as part of a comprehensive reform of the state correctional system.
• This case underscores critical challenges related to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, emphasizing the need for justice systems that protect human rights and promote inclusive societies.
• The hate crime nature of the homicide highlights the importance of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, advocating for the elimination of discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and other identities.
• Addressing violence and discrimination within prisons aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring safe environments for all individuals, including marginalized groups.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Jackson Vogel to life imprisonment reflects the judicial system’s commitment to addressing hate-motivated violence and upholding justice. The incident calls for continued efforts to reform correctional institutions to align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting peace, justice, equality, and well-being.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses homicide, hate crime, and the criminal justice system, which are directly related to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The hate crime motive based on race and sexual orientation highlights issues of discrimination and inequalities.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article touches on violence and its impact on mental and physical health within prison settings.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
2. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 16
   • 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • 16.b.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on grounds of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10
   • 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of various grounds including race and sexual orientation.
3. Indicators related to SDG 3
   • 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied by mental health issues related to violence and incarceration).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: weau.com