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Death Of Cumberland Inmate Determined To Be Homicide

December 13th, 2011 by WCBC Radio

An autopsy has determined a state prison inmate who died last week after being found unresponsive in his cell at a maximum-security prison in Allegany County was murdered. 

The victim is identified as Lewis J. Thompson, Jr., 57, who was an inmate at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland.  Thompson was found unresponsive in his cell by correctional officers on December 8, 2011.  His identity was withheld until investigators were able to locate and notify a family member. 

 An autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.  Doctors there determined Thompson died from strangulation.  His death was ruled a homicide. 

The investigation into Thompson’s death is being continued by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit.  State Police investigators are being assisted by members of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit.                    

No charges have been placed at this time.  State Police investigators have briefed officials in the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office on the investigation.  Consultation with that office will be ongoing as the investigation continues. 

 

 

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