The state Department of Corrections is investigating the death of a Vermonter who was incarcerated at a maximum-security prison in Kentucky.
Secretary of Human Services Jenney Samuelson says staff at the Kentucky State Penitentiary found 72-year-old Gary Schaefer experiencing a severe medical event during a routine cell check on Sunday.
Samuelson says medical personnel transported Schaefer to a hospital.
“But unfortunately even with life-saving mechanisms he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter," Samuelson says.
More from Vermont Public: Vermont State Police are investigating the 11th prison death this year
Schaefer was convicted of killing 11-year-old Catherine Richards of Springfield, and was a suspect in the deaths of two others more than 40 years ago. He was serving a 30-years-to-life sentence.
Samuelson says the state has not yet confirmed a cause of death, but says it does not appear to be suspicious.
So far this year, at least a dozen Vermonters have died while incarcerated.
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