New York State Police are investigating the death of an incarcerated man at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, which has now been officially ruled a homicide.
Authorities say 35-year-old Antawon R. Johnson was found unconscious and not breathing in his cell around 8:00 p.m. on August 14. Correction officers discovered blood in the cell during a routine round and immediately began life-saving measures while contacting medical staff.
Preliminary findings revealed Johnson had been involved in a physical altercation with his cellmate, 28-year-old Arkies Sommerville. During the fight, Johnson was reportedly strangled using a bed sheet and a shoelace.
He was transported to the prison infirmary, but despite emergency efforts, he later died from his injuries. The Franklin County Coroner pronounced him deceased at the scene.
An autopsy was conducted on August 16 at Glens Falls Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica. The official cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation due to strangulation. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
State Police are continuing their investigation with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office.
No charges have been announced as of yet.
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