Kentucky Death Row Inmate Donald Johnson Found Dead Oct. 1; Apparent Suicide
EDDYVILLE — The Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet confirmed that a death row inmate at Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, Lyon County, was found dead Oct. 1. Correctional staff found Donald Johnson, 59, unresponsive in his cell around 2:20 a.m. Central time.
"Autopsy results are pending by the medical examiner, but method of death is apparent suicide," said cabinet spokesperson Morgan Hall. "As with any death of an inmate while in prison, law enforcement has been notified."
According to the Department of Corrections' death row roster, Johnson was sentenced to death in Floyd County on Oct. 1, 1997, in connection with the stabbing death of Helen Madden. Madden's body was found Nov. 30, 1989, at Hazard's Bright and Clean Laundry, where she worked. Johnson was arrested the next day and charged with murder, robbery, burglary and sexual assault.
Johnson spent nearly 29 years on death row. The state said a formal cause of death will be released after the autopsy.
Sources: Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet; Louisville Courier Journal (Oct. 7 report)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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