The Connecticut Department of Correction announced the death of 27-year-old Jaishon Bellamy, a man from East Hartford who had been serving a lengthy prison sentence for first-degree sexual assault. Bellamy was found dead in his cell early Thursday morning, with officials reporting that he was discovered with a bed sheet around his neck.
Bellamy’s death occurred around 2:30 a.m. at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution. According to the Department of Correction (DOC), he had been incarcerated since 2015 after being convicted of sexual assault as a teenager. His death has prompted an investigation, and officials are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding his passing.
This tragedy follows a recent incident involving Bellamy at the same facility. The Office of the Inspector General confirmed that Bellamy assaulted a correctional officer on Monday, a violent act that led to his transfer from Osborn Correctional Institution to MacDougall-Walker. The assault was severe; the officer was hospitalized and described by the AFSCME Council 4 union as being “left to fight for her life.” The union reported that she suffered a fractured eye socket, along with other significant injuries, including abrasions, bruising, and a bloodied face.
The incident was discovered during a routine cell check when a correctional officer noticed Bellamy had obstructed his cell window. When asked to remove the obstruction, Bellamy did not respond. The officer then entered the cell, where he found Bellamy with a sheet wrapped around his neck. At the time of discovery, Bellamy was the only person in the cell. The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, and officials have not yet released details about whether Bellamy’s death was self-inflicted or accidental.
Bellamy’s death has shocked the community and raised questions about inmate safety and mental health services within correctional facilities. Family members and advocates are awaiting more information as authorities continue their investigation.
The Connecticut Department of Correction expressed condolences to Bellamy’s family and assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to understand the circumstances of his death. As the investigation unfolds, officials are committed to transparency and ensuring safety within the correctional system.
This tragic event marks a somber chapter in the lives of those affected, and the community mourns the loss of a young man whose life was marked by serious legal issues and personal struggles.
