Inmate Found Dead In Garner Prison Cell

 A Torrington man, who was serving a 27-year prison sentence at the high-security Garner Correctional Institution on Nunnawauk Road, was found dead in his prison cell midday on November 29, according to the state Department of Correction (DOC).

Clayton Barnes, 58, was found unconscious on his bed at 12:02 pm, after which the prison’s medical staff attempted to revive him, said DOC spokeswoman Stacy Smith. Barnes was pronounced dead at 12:36 pm, Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said that Barnes had a cellmate, but initial indications show that there was no foul play involved in Barnes’ death. The DOC and the state police are conducting investigations into the circumstances of Barnes’ death, Ms Smith said.

Barnes was convicted on first degree manslaughter and burglary in his June 2002 killing of his estranged wife’s boyfriend.