Attorney seeks investigation alleging prison tortured client to death playing ‘Baby Shark’ song on repeat

If you think being forced to listen to the popular children’s song Baby Shark on repeat would kill you, you might just be correct. Inmate John Basco accused his jailers of “torture” by alleging they made him listen to the song played on a repetitive loop. Basco was found dead in his cell.

Newsweek reports “John Basco was found unresponsive in his cell in the early hours of Sunday at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, according to a press release.”

“Officers tried to save the 48-year-old’s life and worked on him until emergency responders arrived and continued efforts to resuscitate him, jail officials said in the statement, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 4:05 a.m.”

Basco’s attorney, Cameron Spradling, has called for an investigation into his client’s death. Spradling tweeted “I mourn the loss of my client John Basco, a Baby Shark Torture Victim, who died today in the custody of the Oklahoma County Jail. The worst jail in the world! Mysterious death #14 for 2022!

“There is a criminal case and a federal civil rights case pending against three former detention officers including a longtime lieutenant,” Spradling told Newsweek.

“One of the Baby Shark torture victims is conveniently dead within three days of his arrival. District Attorney David Prater lost his most important witness for the upcoming criminal trial. The D.A. needs to immediately send in his own investigators to find out why this victim/witness died under these mysterious circumstances.”

Newsweek added:

Opgrande, speaking on behalf of the jail, told Newsweek: “Our sympathies are with Mr. Basco’s family and loved ones. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations is assisting in the investigation, but we can confirm there were no obvious signs of foul play.

“Additionally, we would like to note Mr. Basco’s lawsuit was against the previous jail administration, not against the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority or the current leadership. We remain committed to providing the safest environment possible for detainees and staff.”

Basco’s death marked the 14th inmate death at the jail this year, The Oklahoman reported.