By Liz Hardaway, Lisa Backus
The Hour, Norwalk, Conn.
SUFFIELD, Conn. — An inmate at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield who was accused of attacking a correction officer at Osborn Correctional Institution earlier this week has died, according to the state Department of Correction.
The inmate, identified as Jaishon Bellamy, 27, of East Hartford, reportedly died by suicide, the agency said.
The state’s Correction Ombudsman DeVaughn Ward confirmed Thursday that Bellamy was the inmate who was accused of attacking the correction officer Monday.
“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Bellamy’s death are deeply serious,” Ward said in a statement. “At the outset, this office must state unequivocally that it condemns any assault or act of violence against correctional staff.”
Ward said he met with Bellamy Wednesday night and that the 27-year-old acknowledged he assaulted the female officer after a verbal exchange between the two. Bellamy denied that he was attempting to sexually assault the female officer, addressing allegations made by the union that represents correction officers, and the Department of Correction’s “own initial reports do not reference any allegation of sexual assault or rape,” Ward said in the statement.
“Mr. Bellamy was serving sentences for extremely serious offenses, including violent sexual assaults committed at a young age,” Ward said. “While his criminal history is significant, it does not diminish the Department of Correction’s responsibility to protect the safety and welfare of staff and individuals in custody, nor does it lessen the need for transparency and thorough review when a person dies while incarcerated.”
The state’s Office of the Inspector General also is investigating and confirmed that Bellamy was the inmate who was accused of attacking the officer.
Ward said as the DOC and Connecticut State Police are investigating Bellamy’s death, there are larger issues at stake. “The circumstances raise substantial questions regarding DOC policies, supervision, and mental health and safety practices,” Ward said. “This office will be examining these issues closely in the coming days and weeks.”
The DOC said a correction officer found the window of Bellamy’s cell obstructed around 2:30 a.m. Thursday while doing a regular tour. Staff members instructed Bellamy to remove the covering, but did not get a response.
They immediately initiated emergency and life-saving measures before Bellamy was taken to Saint Francis Hospital, the DOC said. He was pronounced dead around 3:48 a.m.
The DOC said Bellamy was serving a 20-year sentence for first-degree sexual assault. He has been incarcerated within the state DOC since Aug. 14, 2015.
The agency said it was investigating the apparent suicide.
In the Monday attack on the guard, officials with the agency said an inmate, whom Ward identified as Bellamy, began choking and punching a correction officer at Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers. The DOC said the attack was without warning or provocation.
Officials said other staff responded and restrained the inmate, who then was transported to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution’s Restrictive Housing Unit.
Anyone who has thoughts of harming themselves, or seeks access to free and confidential mental health support, can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (en Español: 888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing dial 711 and then 988) or visit 988Lifeline.org.
People in need can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
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