Teen charged in death of Wisconsin prison counselor pleads not guilty

MERRILL, Wis. (AP) — A teenage inmate charged in the death of a Wisconsin youth prison counselor this summer has pleaded not guilty to two counts.

Ryan Nyblom, 17, pleaded not guilty Thursday to participating in felony murder and battery by prisoners in connection with the death of Lincoln HIlls-Copper Lake Schools trustee Cory Proulx in June , according to online court records.

Prosecutors say a 16-year-old inmate, upset by a counselor he said was abusing her power, threw soap at her, hit her, then hit Proulx, who fell and hit his head on the sidewalk. He later died.

Prosecutors allege that Nyblom gave the 16-year-old the soap 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 a criminal complaint.

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

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

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.