LANCASTER, Pa. — Update, 10:40 a.m. (Jan. 5): An autopsy performed by Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni determined Michael James Owens died of a heart attack. The official cause of death is listed as Myocardial Infarction due to Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.
Diamantoni ruled the manner of death was natural.
Previously
Authorities are investigating after an inmate was found dead in his cell at Lancaster County Prison Thursday morning.
Michael James Owens, 54, was found unresponsive during a routine check of his cell at about 10 a.m., prison officials said in a press release.
Prison staff attempted life-saving measures that included CPR and the use of an AED while others called 911, the press release continued.
Lancaster City Fire personnel and EMS staff arrived and continued attempts to save Owens' life, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead shortly after that, according to prison officials.
There was no outward indication of what caused Owens' death, which is now under investigation by the Lancaster County Prison Investigator, the Lancaster Bureau of Police and the Lancaster County Coroner's Office, which is routine under the circumstances, prison officials said.
Owens has been incarcerated since March 28, 2023, for failing to appear for a bench warrant stemming from a DUI charge, officials said.
