New York State Police are reporting the death of an inmate at Upstate in Malone was ruled a homicide.
An autopsy performed over the weekend on an upstate correctional facility inmate determined the manner of death was a homicide according to NY State Police. They say Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica reported that cause of 35-year-old Antawon Johnson’s death was asphyxiation due to strangulation. Thursday State Police responded to Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone regarding the suspicious death of an incarcerated individual. An investigation revealed that Arkies Sommerville and Antawon Johnson were cellmates when a physical altercation took place. State Police say Correction Officers were conducting their rounds when they discovered Johnson lying on the floor in the cell. Further investigation revealed he allegedly had a bed sheet and a shoelace around his neck. This is an ongoing investigation.