Offender Death Under Investigation

WARTBURG — The Tennessee Department of Correction is investigating the death of an offender at the Morgan County Correctional Complex (MCCX).  Inmate Edward Raper, 61, was found unresponsive in his cell and despite attempts to revive him was pronounced dead early Friday morning.

As with all in custody deaths, the incident is being investigated by the Office of Investigation and Compliance and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.   As part of this investigation an autopsy will be performed by the state medical examiner . As a precautionary measure, Mr. Raper’s cellmate has been placed in in restrictive housing until the investigation is completed.  If upon the conclusion of the investigation it is determined foul play was involved, charges will be filed against those found responsible.

Raper was serving a 16 year sentence for two counts of Possession of Schedule II drugs.