CUMBERLAND, MD—Maryland State Police have commenced an investigation into the death of 80-year-old state prison inmate Ralph Ruark. Ruark, who was serving time at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, was declared deceased by emergency medical service personnel and transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for a forensic examination.
The incident leading to Ruark’s death occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. yesterday. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was notified by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit at 4:10 p.m. the same day.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, with additional support from State Police crime scene technicians and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit. The findings of the investigation will eventually be reviewed by the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office.
As the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ruark’s death continues, further details are awaited.