CRESAPTOWN — Maryland State Police homicide investigators are working with state public safety investigators looking into the death of an inmate at North Branch Correctional Institution who was assaulted in November.
The deceased inmate is identified as Michael Armstead, 53, who was serving a life sentence.
Another inmate serving a life sentence at NBCI was identified as a suspect. Charges against him are pending.
Shortly before 10 a.m. on Nov. 27, staff witnessed the suspect assaulting the victim as inmates were moving to the dining hall. Correctional officers and staff interceded and ended the assault.
Armstead had sustained trauma to his head and was transported to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.
In the weeks following, the victim was transferred to hospitals in the Baltimore area for treatment. He was pronounced dead at Bon Secours Hospital on Jan. 9.
The victim’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The medical examiner has now ruled Armstead’s death was a homicide caused by a head injury.
As per procedure, the initial assault investigation was conducted by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigations Unit. Investigators maintained contact with Maryland State Police Homicide Unit.
Following the death of the victim, Maryland State Police homicide investigators are continuing the investigation, with assistance from the DPSCS investigators.
Results of the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and charges.
Latest news
NBCI inmate’s death ruled homicide
- Latest news
-
-
911 workers will see a pay increase
County emergency dispatchers will see increases in pay for the next three years under a contract signed by workers and Allegany County Thursday evening.
-
Some area pools set to open this weekend
The arrival of the Memorial Day weekend also means the unofficial start of the summer season — and a chance to go swimming at area pools.
-
County: Increase in water rates planned
Many customers in Allegany County will likely see a small increase in their water and sewer rates during the upcoming fiscal year.
-
Rocky Gap Casino Resort flush with visitors; 1,000 estimated on first day
Nearly 300 people were waiting outside and in the lobby Wednesday when Rocky Gap Casino Resort officials emerged at about 4 p.m. to announce they had received a call from the Maryland gaming commission that they were approved to open.
-
Live music takes center stage at 6th DelFest
With more than 30 musical acts set to take the stage at the 6th annual DelFest this weekend, now might be a good time to let folks know about some of the bands that will headline this four-day music festival.
-
Bear in tree
A crew from the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service successfully removed a young female bear from a tree in South Cumberland Thursday morning, eventually releasing the bruin on state-owned land in Allegany County.
-
Frostburg adopts $9.7M budget, keeps alley open
The Frostburg mayor and city council have voted to adopt a $9.7 million budget for fiscal year 2014 and to keep open an alley that many citizens feared would be closed by the city.
-
6th annual DelFest has arrived
Thirty national recording artists are preparing to step into the Cumberland spotlight this weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds as DelFest rolls into town for its sixth annual musical festival.
- Rocky Gap casino opens
-
‘Time just kind of stood still’
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
- More Latest news Headlines
-
911 workers will see a pay increase
