CHESTER, PA — An inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Chester was found unresponsive in his cell early January 31, prompting an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Gina Clark, superintendent of SCI Chester, reported that inmate Marquez Smith, 27, was discovered unresponsive in his cell. Prison staff and emergency medical services responded and attempted life-saving measures, but Smith was pronounced deceased at 6:38 a.m.
Smith was serving a four- to eight-year sentence for possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number stemming from a Bucks County conviction. He had been incarcerated at SCI Chester since December 16, 2024.
In line with state policy, the Pennsylvania State Police were notified and will investigate the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Delaware County Coroner’s Office.
Department officials said Smith’s next of kin has been notified.
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