Nothing suspicious in Somerset prisoner’s death

MADISON — The inmate’s death is not being considered suspicious, according to a spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, which is investigating the death of an inmate at the Somerset County Jail.

The 29-year-old woman was found unconscious in her cell around 11 p.m. Friday by corrections staff, Shannon Moss said in an email Monday.

“Correction staff immediately began life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived, but the woman was ultimately pronounced dead,” Moss said. “The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit was notified and requested assistance, which is standard protocol.”

Moss said an autopsy was performed Sunday and “there is nothing suspicious about this death.” She did not release the woman’s name or other details.

“At this stage we cannot provide a cause or the name of the victim as the investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

Somerset County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Mitchell said Saturday afternoon he could not release the inmate’s name because her next of kin had not yet been located or notified.

Mitchell, who arrived at the prison Friday evening after being notified of the death, said state police are investigating and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is scheduled to perform an autopsy to confirm the cause and manner of death.

Mitchell said he could not provide any further details.

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