Guards investigated in inmate’s death
A man arrested in the hit-and-run death of a police officer was found strangled in his cell, and investigators focused Tuesday on guards at the suburban Maryland jail.
As state police took over the investigation, an attorney for inmate Ronnie L. White’s family said the man’s attackers “took it upon themselves to be both the judge, the jury and the executioner.”
White’s death shocked and angered officials in Prince George’s County, including County Executive Jack B. Johnson, who likened it to “vigilante justice.”
Investigators from the FBI and state police joined the case Monday after the state medical examiner concluded that White had been strangled.
White, 19, was arrested early Saturday on charges of ramming a stolen truck into police Cpl. Richard Findley, who had gotten out of his police car after pulling over White.
Attorney Bobby G. Henry Jr., who represents White’s family, urged the Justice Department to join the inquiry.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn F. Ivey said investigators were scrutinizing seven correctional officers who had access to White, who was being held separately from other inmates.
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