A strange and untimely death at one of Kentucky’s largest state prisons prompted a thorough investigation by state officials.
Correctional officers at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in Morgan County discovered 34-year-old Louisville-born Robert A. Broyles dead in his cell Sunday morning during roll call.
The death was reported about 8:50 a.m., said the Kentucky State Police Post 8 in Morehead.
Correction officers had attempted life-saving efforts at once while making emergency transport arrangements. Broyles was taken to ARH Hospital in the region. He died on arrival, a short while after being admitted.
“Life-saving attempts were made as Broyles was being transported to ARH Hospital in Morgan County but succumbed shortly after admission.”
Red flags were raised through initial findings. Authorities are suspecting foul play even though no official cause of death has been determined yet.
“Initial reports are that foul play is suspected, but that can still change as the investigation unfolds.”
The investigation is still active and ongoing, with KSP detectives in pursuit. No suspects or arrests have yet been released.
The killing of an inmate in a cell within a Kentucky prison is causing serious concerns regarding security and responsibility within the state prison system. With potential foul play, the public’s interest and alarm are high.
Who Was Robert A. Broyles?
Few details have been revealed about Broyles’ background or the circumstances of his imprisonment. But with details surfacing, his death helped spur efforts to protect prisoners and transparency in Kentucky prisons.
The death occurs during a growing trend in US prisons where prisoners have died suspiciously or violently. Critics have long cited systemic issues from overcrowding to understaffing that put prisoners as well as guards at risk.
West Liberty Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex is a minimum to medium security offender housing facility. The centre has, in the past, had some criticisms of offenders’ health and medical need response times.
Investigation Underway
KSP confirmed the entire investigation is in progress. Autopsy findings and other forensic testing will determine whether the death of Broyles was, in fact, a case of violence or a previously undetected medical condition.
Witnesses and police urge any who may be able to offer some information to come forward as detectives work to untangle what occurred in the days leading up to this scary morning. It is an ongoing news story. This will be updated as more information is released.
