Prisoner apparently was dead in cell for 2 days; DOC launches probe

MONROE, Wash. -- An investigation into how long an inmate lay dead in his cell at the Monroe Correctional Complex has put the prison’s guards under scrutiny.

Guards found Jerry Levain Jamison, 49, dead in his cell on Saturday Sept. 21, two days after he was last seen alive. A medical examiner’s report indicated he died of an apparent heart condition.

Department of Corrections spokesman Chad Lewis said that daily head-counts are supposed to be performed at the facility, but was unsure if Jamison’s cell was checked Friday night.

Lewis said that guards could have believed that Jamison was asleep. He wasn’t required to leave his cell until Saturday evening.

DOC has launched an internal investigation into whether staff followed prison procedures.