NewsRegionHarford County

Actions

Inmate dies after medical emergency in cell

Posted at 10:52 AM, Sep 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-24 10:52:53-04

A 54-year-old inmate died on Saturday after having a medical emergency inside of his cell. 

James Allen Zornes was found around 5:17 a.m. unresponsive in his cell. Deputies called medical staff who tried life-saving efforts but did not have any success. The Bel Air Fire Department was called and continued to administer assistance, but he was pronounced dead at 6:16 a.m.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Zornes suffered from multiple medical conditions and had been refusing to take his medication. He did not have any signs of trauma or foul play and he was alone in his cell when he died. 

Zornes was booked into the Detention Center on April 2 for failing to register as a sex offender. 

The investigation is still ongoing.