MALONE — New York State Police are investigating the death of an incarcerated individual at the Upstate Correctional Facility on Bare Hill Road.
Members of the State Police responded to the facility at approximately 9:10 p.m. Aug. 14 regarding the suspicious death.
A preliminary investigation found that around 8:00 p.m., correction officers conducting their rounds discovered blood in a cell and an incarcerated man lying on the floor.
The officer recognized the individual as 35-year-old Antawon R. Johnson, who was unconscious and not breathing.
The correction officer immediately began life-saving measures and contacted medical personnel for assistance.
Investigation revealed that Arkies Sommerville, age 28, and Johnson were cellmates when a physical altercation took place.
During the incident, Johnson was found with a bed sheet and a shoelace around his neck, leading to him becoming unconscious.
He was transported to the infirmary, where he received medical care, but succumbed to his injuries.
The Franklin County Coroner arrived at the scene and pronounced Johnson deceased.
An autopsy was performed at Glen Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica at 8:00 a.m. Aug. 16.
The autopsy determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to strangulation and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office assisted the State Police.
The investigation is ongoing.
