By C1 Staff
BALTIMORE — The death of an inmate who was found in a cell full of steam has been attributed to a damaged heating unit.
The Capital Gazette reports that officials are attributing Louis Leysath’s death to him having damaged his own heating unit and filling his cell with steam.
He then fell unconscious from the inhalation of the steam and later died of thermal injuries, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Lesayth was serving a life sentence for murdering his girlfriend in 2008. He had been placed in a “special cell” after exhibiting erratic behavior, but was not on suicide watch.
Prison officials did not elaborate what behaviors he was exhibiting or why he needed to be placed in a special cell.
An investigation into Leysath’s death is still ongoing.
Three correctional officers are on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of the department’s investigation.