Washington County inmate awaiting sentencing found dead in cell
A Washington County inmate that was awaiting sentencing for rape charges was found dead in his cell this weekend - and initial investigations suggest he took his own life.
By News Channel NebraskaWASHINGTON, Kan. - A Washington County inmate that was awaiting sentencing for rape charges was found dead in his cell this weekend - and initial investigations suggest he took his own life.
Authorities found 42-year-old Kyle Mashburn dead in his Washington County cell just after 6 AM Saturday. Mashburn was awaiting sentencing after pleading no contest last month to one count of rape and one count of sexual exploitation of a child - crimes that carried a recommended sentence of 299 months - or approximately 25 years - in prison.
A Facebook group called "Protecting Kansas children from sexual predators" estimates that Mashburn is the fourth Kansas inmate to have committed suicide ahead of a trial for child sex-related charges since December.
This investigation is ongoing and is being orchestrated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which examines deaths that occur in state prisons and jails. Further information on this story will be provided if it becomes available.