Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP)– Pennsylvania State Police are investigating after the death of an inmate at State Correctional Institution Albion has been ruled a homicide.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said 25-year-old Andy Ortiz died from strangulation, ruling asphyxia from neck compression as the cause of death. This was followed by an autopsy performed on October 31.
Erie County Coroner investigating inmate death at SCI Albion
Ortiz was found unresponsive in his bunk late on October 29 with prison staff and later EMS performing life-saving measures, but was declared dead around 12:18 am on October 30.
SCI Albion said Ortiz was convicted of unlawful contact with a minor in Philadelphia County, with court documents showing he was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison and pleaded guilty to several other felony sex-related offenses…