The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) has announced the deaths of two inmates, Walter Ruark and Stephen Winn, both of whom were housed at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) in Smyrna. The incidents, while unrelated, occurred on the same day and are currently under review by the Division of Forensic Science to determine official causes of death.
Walter Ruark, an 82-year-old inmate from Seaford, was found unresponsive during a routine security check in his housing area at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 3. DOC officials reported that immediate life-saving measures were performed, and Emergency Medical Services paramedics continued resuscitation efforts upon arrival. Ruark was transported by ambulance to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, where he was pronounced dead at 4:06 a.m. Ruark had been in DOC custody since 2007, serving a 109-year sentence for multiple offenses, including first-degree rape, sexual exploitation of a child, and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. DOC officials noted that Ruark suffered from multiple chronic health conditions officials said Wednesday.
Stephen Winn, a 62-year-old inmate from Newark, was under hospice care in the prison infirmary for serious health conditions. Winn was found unresponsive and not breathing during a routine check in the early hours of November 3. Medical personnel responded, but Winn was pronounced dead at 1:48 a.m. Winn had been in DOC custody since 2001, serving a 47-year sentence for first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, third-degree assault, and terroristic threatening.