OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — A detainee in the Oklahoma County Detention Center or Jail was found dead in his cell early Sunday morning.
The death is the 14th detainee death so far in 2022.
A detention officer discovered John Basco, 48, “unresponsive” in his cell at 3:52 a.m. Sunday, September 11 according to Jail spokesperson Mark Opgrande in a press release.

The officer called for “medical and other officers to respond.”
Emergency responders came and took over life-saving efforts that were unsuccessful in reviving Basco who was then pronouced dead at about 4:06 a.m.
Basco was booked into the Jail on September 8, 2022.
As with any death in the jail, the State Medical Examiner’s Office will make a final determination as to the cause of death.
Brett is the founder and former Editor in Chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. His leadership created and developed this company into a vital and valuable source of news and community in OKC.
Dickerson retired in 2026. He continues to contribute support and photography to the efforts of the publication.










