Maryland State Police Investigate Inmate Death at Eastern Correctional Institute (ECI)
SOMERSET COUNTY, MD - Maryland State Police are conducting an investigation into the death of a state prison inmate at the Eastern Correctional Institute in Westover, Somerset County, Maryland.
The deceased inmate has been identified as Donyell Cornell Morris, 24. Emergency medical service personnel declared Morris deceased on August 31, 2025.
Police have identified a suspect in the case. The suspect is also an inmate at the facility. Authorities have not filed charges at this time and are not releasing the suspect's identity pending further investigation.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit received notification of the inmate's death at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services' Intelligence and Investigative Division contacted police about the incident.
The preliminary investigation reveals Morris was sharing a cell with another inmate before his death. Correctional officers discovered Morris lying on his bunk and unresponsive. Emergency medical service personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Maryland State Police investigators responded to the Eastern Correctional Institute along with crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division.
Upon completion of the investigation, authorities will present their findings to the Somerset County State's Attorney's Office for review. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
