Inmate in southern Ohio jail found hanging in cell

MARIETTA, Ohio (AP) — A sheriff in southern Ohio says an inmate at the Washington County jail has died after he was discovered hanging in his cell.

Sheriff Larry Mincks tells the Marietta Times that 34-year-old William Michael Barrows of Henderson, Ky., was found around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Barrows was transported to the local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. An autopsy is being conducted by the Montgomery County coroner.

Police said Barrows had a girlfriend, 32-year-old Kristica Skelley, in New Matamoras and recently had been living there. He was booked for alleged domestic violence against Skelley on Thursday.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been called in to review the circumstances surrounding Barrow’s death.

The incident comes as a state investigation is underway into two high-profile hangings in state prisons.