GREENSVILLE COUNTY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Corrections is investigating three inmate deaths in the last three days, one week after Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced major VADOC reforms.
The deaths include an alleged beating at Greensville Correctional Center on July 4 which resulted in an inmate's death, a death at Wallens Ridge State Prison on July 4 and an apparent suicide at Greensville Tuesday morning.
Wallens Ridge State Prison
VADOC said an inmate died July 4 at 5:28 p.m. after being transported to the hospital. Life-saving measures were attempted, no correctional officers were involved, and no staff was injured, the agency said.
Greensville Correctional Center
An inmate died over the weekend after allegedly being beaten by his cellmate at Greensville Correctional Center.
Sources say officers noticed blood during count when they found the victim lying on his cell floor having trouble breathing. His cellmate was on a bed. The victim suffered a head injury, sources say. VADOC said life-saving measures were attempted, but he died at the hospital.
When officers asked the cellmate what happened, sources say he responded there was nothing to talk about. Sources say he also indicated he had warned them not to put the inmate in his cell.
The victim was in his 60s. The alleged suspect is in his 20s. The victim was eligible for parole in January but it was not granted because he was serving time for homicide. The alleged suspect has a lengthy criminal record, including assault on a law enforcement officer.
The total death toll at Greensville is now up to 72 in three years. That’s added to a recent Office of Inspector General report which included natural and unnatural causes at the facility.
A VADOC spokesperson said:
"OLES investigates all deaths in Virginia correctional facilities, and all of the incidents described above are currently under investigation by this team."
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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