A teenager charged in connection with the death of a Wisconsin prison counselor has pleaded not guilty

On October 11, 2024By Yukito

MERRILL, Wis. (AP) – A teenage inmate charged in connection with the death of a Wisconsin juvenile corrections counselor this summer has pleaded not guilty to two felonies.

Court records show that 17-year-old Ryan Nyblom pleaded not guilty Thursday to conspiracy to murder and aggravated battery by inmate in connection with the June death of Cory Proulx, a Lincoln HIlls-Copper Lake Schools school counselor.

According to prosecutors, the 16-year-old inmate, angry at the counselor who he believed was abusing his power, threw soap at her, punched her and then hit Proulx, who fell and hit his head on the pavement. He later died.

Prosecutors allege that Nyblom gave the 16-year-old girl soap, which he allegedly threw at the counselor, and that Nyblom knew the 16-year-old was angry with her and wanted to attack her, according to the criminal complaint.

Nyblom’s attorney, Joseph L. Bauer, did not immediately respond to a Thursday voicemail and email seeking comment.

The 16-year-old faces one count of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by inmates. He has been charged as an adult, but the Associated Press is not naming him because his lawyers may seek to have the case sent back to juvenile court, where the proceedings are secret.