Inmate Dies After Attack At Montana State Prison

Corrections officials say a 53-year-old inmate has died after being attacked in his cell by another inmate at the Montana State Prison. A suspect has been identified and isolated.

The victim was Julio Santiago Jr., who had been an inmate since 2004. He was serving a 30-year sentence on Lake County convictions of criminal endangerment, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of assault on a peace officer, burglary and theft.

Investigators are trying to determine a motive in the Sunday night attack.

An inmate has been identified as a suspect and is being housed in the maximum security unit while the death is investigated. His name has not been released.

The Powell County attorney's office will decide if charges will be filed.

The last inmate homicide at the prison was 16 years ago.

Associated Press