A state prison inmate’s death last weekend is under investigation, officials said.
Michigan Department of Corrections officials identified the inmate as Donte Houston.
Jenni Riehle, a spokeswoman for the department, said Houston passed away at about midday on Oct. 25 at the Bellemy Creek Correctional Facility. The facility is located in Ionia.
“Houston was discovered unresponsive in his two-person cell during staff rounds,” the department said in a statement. “Staff began life-saving efforts, which were continued by responding EMS, but he was ultimately pronounced deceased.”
Riehle said Michigan State Police are investigating the incident as a suspected homicide. She said the corrections department is also investigating and not providing further information.
Michigan State Police Lt. DuWayne Robinson, spokesman for the agency’s First District, on Wednesday confirmed it was investigating the inmate’s death.
He said the victim’s cellmate is a suspect in the homicide.
“The investigation remains ongoing pending further investigative steps and autopsy results,” he said in an email. “No additional details are available for release.”
Houston’s death is one of several in Michigan prisons since March.
Another inmate was found dead in his cell at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility on Aug. 19. State police said they were investigating his death as a suspected homicide.
In March, a 40-year-old man was found dead in his cell at the same prison. Authorities said they were investigating the matter as a possible homicide.
Meanwhile, five inmates of the only women’s prison in Michigan have died since mid-May.
Source: cramirez@detroitnews.com
@CharlesERamirez
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