State Prison Inmate Homicide Under Investigation

(JESSUP, MD) – Maryland State Police investigators are continuing an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate that has been ruled a homicide.

The inmate is identified as Glenn E. Smith, 58. Smith was a state prison inmate serving time at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Md.

A suspect, also an inmate, has been identified. He is being held in another location within the Division of Correction. He has not been charged at this time and is not being identified until charges are placed.

On January 21, 2016, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit (DPSCS IIU) about an inmate death. Investigators told State Police Smith was found in his cell with multiple injuries on January 18, 2016. He was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center and died at the hospital on the morning of January 21st.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators received results late last week from an autopsy conducted at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. The autopsy determined Smith’s death was a homicide, resulting from multiple blunt force injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates Smith was last seen uninjured on the evening of January 17th, before the cells were locked for the night. Smith shared a cell with another inmate. The next morning, Smith’s cellmate reported to the tier correctional officer that Smith was injured. Correctional officers responded and could see Smith had sustained injuries to his face. Medical assistance was summoned and Smith was transported to the hospital.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators are continuing the investigation begun by the DPSCS IIU. Assistance has been provided by State Police crime scene technicians and investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division. Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for review regarding charges.