In the late spring of 2018, the life of 50-year-old Dennis Shaner came to a tragic end outside the Greene County Jail in Springfield, Missouri. On May 24th, Shaner, a male inmate, was being transported by a private company, Inmate Services Corporation. The journey concluded in a shocking and fatal incident right at the jail's entrance.
The transport van had just pulled up to the facility when an employee of the transport service exited the vehicle with another inmate, leaving a handgun
unsecured inside the van. Seizing the opportunity, Shaner persuaded the driver to let him step out of the vehicle. As the driver walked around to the front of the van, Shaner managed to get ahold of the firearm. He then shot himself in the head, dying at the scene.
The immediate investigation into the event brought to light serious questions regarding the protocols and safety measures of the private inmate transportation company. It was revealed that Inmate Services Corporation had a history of federal lawsuits alleging unsafe conditions and abuse of inmates during transport. These allegations included holding individuals in vans for extended periods without proper rest, hygiene, or necessary medical attention.
Shaner was being transported to the Taney County Jail on a felony warrant related to a probation violation. His death, while officially a suicide, cast a spotlight on the practices of the company entrusted with his custody, raising concerns about negligence and the circumstances that allowed an inmate access to a deadly weapon. The incident prompted an investigation into the transport company's conduct and procedures.
