MURDER OF STATE PRISON INMATE INVESTIGATED

(CRESAPTOWN, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators are continuing their investigation into the murder of a state prison inmate last night in Allegany County.

The victim is identified as Saleem N. Abdullah, 53. He was an inmate at the Western Correctional Institution in Cresaptown. A preliminary ruling today from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicates the victim’s manner of death was homicide and the cause of death was asphyxiation. Additional forensic tests are being conducted.

A suspect in the murder is being held, but is not being identified at this time because he has not been charged. The suspect is an inmate at the same prison.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators responded to the Western Correctional Institution last night after notification from Division of Correction officials that an inmate had been found dead in the prison. State Police homicide investigators are being assisted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit.

The preliminary investigation indicates that just before 8:30 p.m. yesterday, a correctional officer was delivering mail to cells in Housing Unit 4, which is a segregation unit at the prison. The officer approached the victim’s cell and called for him to respond to the door to collect mail. The victim did not respond, but instead, his cellmate came to the door.

The officer called for assistance and officers entered the cell to check the welfare of the victim. The victim was found lying on his bunk and was unresponsive. Officers and a nurse began immediate CPR and initiated a rescue response. The victim was transported by a Cresaptown ambulance to the Cumberland Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed the victim’s cell. Investigators interviewed inmates and staff throughout last night and today.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and the determination of criminal charges. No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Questions regarding inmate sentences or related information should be directed to the Maryland Division of Correction.