Wayne Burke, 27, was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 18 years, in 2021 for his part in the murder of 24-year-old father Reece Cox.
Five other men were jailed with Burke for the attack outside The Clifton, Sedgley.
Wayne Burke
Burke, originally from Pensnett, died at HMP Dovegate on July 29 after suffering a medical emergency. He was pronounced dead at the Staffordshire prison before paramedics could transfer him to hospital.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the death, which is standard procedure with the death of an inmate.
A spokesperson said: “The Ombudsman is conducting an independent investigation into the death of Wayne Burke at HMP Dovegate on July 29, 2025.
“Ombudsman Adrian Usher’s final report into Mr Burke’s death will be made public once the inquest concludes.”
‘Gentle giant’ Reece was battered to death by his killers who reigned blows to his head until he died after a night of drinking in Sedgley.
Burke was found guilty of murder by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court after a lengthy trial. He gave evidence in his own defence claiming he was trying to be a peacemaker.
Reece Cox. Photo: West Midlands Police
He said: “Because I could see multiple of my friends looking like they were in a confrontation which I know now was Reece Cox and Grant Danbury. I went to try diffuse the situation. I wanted to split it up and help diffuse the situation.
“To be fair he [Mr Cox] was being aggressive, he was pushing me, saying stuff like “f***ing come on then”. I believe Ryan Nicklin was saying “leave him alone” aiming that at Reece to leave me alone.”
He told the court that Mr Cox threw the first punch – adding: “I am trying to stop people from hitting him and injuring him – I am trying to diffuse the situation.”
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were not treating Burke’s death as suspicious.