Inmate dies after found unresponsive in cell

An inmate at the Reception and Treatment Center was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in his cell.

June 27, 2023Updated: June 27, 2023
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. -- An inmate at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in his cell.

Officials said 46-year-old Michael Thomas was found unresponsive in his cell at RTC on June 25. 

CPR was reportedly started on Thomas and emergency medical services were called. Thomas was pronounced dead when they arrived.

According to court documents, Thomas was a serving a zero to 48 months sentence for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, resisting arrest and attempted tampering with a witness. He started his sentence on May 11, 2023.

As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

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