Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless was awaiting an autopsy report from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office Monday.

Lawless said his office is continuing an investigation into the death of an inmate that occurred on Saturday.

Steven J. Conley, 23, of Kitts Hill, Ohio, had complained of an illness early Saturday morning and the Lawrence County EMS was contacted. The squad transported the inmate to St. Mary’s Hospital in Ironton where he was pronounced dead.

Lawrence County Coroner Dr. Kurt Hofmann sent Conley’s body to Franklin County for an autopsy around 4 p.m. Saturday. That autopsy was expected to be conducted on Monday.

“We hope to have some preliminary results from the autopsy within a few days,” Lawless said. “However, a complete autopsy will not be ready for several weeks.”

Lawless said, as in all cases, such as this one, he has requested an independent investigation to be conducted by the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association.

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Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com