2 inmates die at the Cuyahoga County Jail

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cuyahoga County Sheriff said safety measures have been increased at the Cuyahoga County Jail after two inmates died this week.

A 32-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell around 9:10 p.m. on Nov. 1.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Steven Hammett said Mark Turner Jr. received lifesaving measures and was then transported to MetroHealth Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m.

Turner’s cause of death remains under investigation.

According to court documents, Turner was charged with public indecency and obstructing official business. He was also arrested on a parole violation.

A 47-year-old female inmate died in her cell the morning of Nov. 1.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified her as Melissa Musson. Her cause of death also remains under investigation.

According to Cuyahoga County court documents, Musson was indicted on the charges of corrupting another with drugs, permitting drug abuse and drug possession in March.

She then failed to show for her arraignment in April and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Musson was taken into custody on Oct. 31.

“This is sad for the family and our staff.  We’ve increased safety for inmates and Correction Officers by adding two drug detection dogs, two body scanners, issuing suicide prevention blankets, removing bed rails from bunks, adding cameras and radios, and working with MetroHealth to assure physical and behavioral health access,” said Sheriff Hammett.

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