NEW CASTLE, DE — Delaware State Police are investigating the death of a 73-year-old inmate following an altercation at a state facility, according to authorities.
Police said troopers responded on April 19 at approximately 6:00 p.m. to the Delaware Psychiatric Hospital in the 1900 block of DuPont Highway for a reported assault.
According to investigators, Fred O’Neal III, 73, a sentenced inmate, was involved in a physical altercation with another inmate.
Police reported that O’Neal was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries, where he later died.
Authorities said the victim was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
Police stated the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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