An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death of an inmate found unresponsive in his cell at the California Institution for Men in Chino, prison officials reported.

Vernon Howard, 37, was found by correctional officers about 8:50 p.m. Friday in the Reception Center Central Birch Hall housing unit, prison officials reported. Responding personnel began life-saving efforts on Howard, but he died about an hour later at a nearby hospital.

The cell was occupied at the time of the incident by Howard and his cellmate, prison officials reported. The death is being investigated as a possible homicide.

—Gene Ghiotto
gghiotto@PE.com

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