State Prison Inmate Death Under Investigation

(CUMBERLAND, MD) – Maryland State Police continue an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate in Allegany County.

The deceased, identified as Omar Valdez-Granados, 23, was a state prison inmate serving time at the North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI). Valdez-Grandos was pronounced deceased by emergency medical service personnel and was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

Yesterday at 9:00am, investigators assigned to the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit were contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit (DPSCS IIU) about an inmate death.  The preliminary investigation indicates Valdez-Grandos was located on the floor of his cell where he was pronounced deceased. Police believe his cellmate was in the cell at the time of his death.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators are continuing the investigation. Assistance is being provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators with the DPSCS Internal Investigative Unit.  Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County for review regarding charges. 

The investigation continues.

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