Menard investigating inmate deaths

By Jessica Wettig

Three inmates have died at the Menard Correction Center in Marion in the last two months.

The third inmate, whose name has not yet been released, was discovered Tuesday at 9 p.m., said Stacey Solano, Illinois Department of Corrections chief public information officer. Solano said the incident is still under investigation, and an autopsy will be conducted.

The department is working with the Randolph County Coroner’s Office for the results and the facility is now on lockdown, she said.

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The first death occurred Jan. 31, when 25-year-old inmate Jason Hall was found dead in his cell. Authorities said James Amison, Hall’s former cellmate, was deemed possibly responsible, according to The Republic, a Columbus, Ind., newspaper. Amison was transferred to Pontiac Correctional Center and is scheduled for an April 8 court date.

Another inmate was also deemed possibly responsible for the Feb. 25 death of 64-year-old inmate Yusuf Abuzir’s death, according to The Republic. Abuzir’s autopsy results are still pending.

Abuzir fought with another inmate a month before his death, and authorties suspected his injuries were a possible cause of death, Solano said. The first two deaths were unrelated, she said.

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