Statement From the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Regarding Three Recent Unrelated Deaths of Incarcerated Individuals

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 12, 2024

The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) has experienced three unrelated deaths of incarcerated individuals within a very short period. First and foremost, we extend our condolences to the families on their loss.  The following is a brief synopsis of each these incidents with preliminary information based on the facts that we know at this time. 

• On Tuesday, Jan. 9, at approximately 4:30 p.m., an incarcerated individual housed at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Clarksburg (MCCF) Medical Unit was found unresponsive. Correctional nurses and staff arrived and performed life saving measures on the incarcerated individual.  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) arrived, and the incarcerated individual was transported to Holy Cross Hospital.  On Jan. 10,  at 9 a.m., Holy Cross Hospital reported that the incarcerated individual had a significant medical event and may die.  The Montgomery County Police Department's (MCPD) Homicide Unit reported to the MCCF to begin its investigation, collect evidence and interview staff.  At 12:26 p.m., Holy Cross Hospital contacted DOCR reporting that the incarcerated individual died at the hospital. While preliminary review by MCPD does not reveal signs of foul play, a final cause of death will be determined pending medical examiner review.

• On Wednesday, Jan. 10, at approximately 10:43p.m., DOCR was informed that an incarcerated individual who had been receiving medical care at Holy Cross Hospital since Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, died. According to DOCR records, this individual had a significant medical diagnoses.  A medical autopsy will be conducted.

• On Thursday, Jan. 11, at approximately 4:36 p.m., at the MCCF in Clarksburg, a medical emergency was called in a housing unit. Immediately after, correctional staff began life saving measures, followed by the MCFRS, which took over life saving measures.  Unfortunately, the incarcerated individual was pronounced deceased at 5:07 p.m.  Immediately after, the MCPD Homicide Unit and the Medical Examiner’s Office arrived on scene. While preliminary review by MCPD does not reveal signs of foul play, a final cause of death will be determined pending medical examiner review.

Many correctional systems are experiencing a significant increase in those who have acute and chronic medical conditions that become involved in the criminal justice system.  A preliminary review of the above-described deaths appears that they are medical situations. DOCR does not speculate on the cause of death, as the Medical Examiner’s autopsy and further investigation by law enforcement agencies must be conducted first.  With any loss of life within DOCR care, custody and control, it is the worst imaginable event that can occur within our organization.  Our next formal step in this process is to fully cooperate with the State’s Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Police, and the Medical Examiner’s Office, as we await the official cause of death. 

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Release ID: 24-023
Media Contact: Barry Hudson 240-300-7348
Categories: Public Safety