Lucas County convict strangled in Mansfield; cellmate investigated

11/17/2001

MANSFIELD, Ohio - A Mansfield Correctional Institution inmate from Lucas County was found strangled Thursday morning, and a cellmate from Sandusky County is under investigation for the murder, authorities said yesterday.

Jason Brewer, 27, who was serving a 3 to 10-year sentence for attempted burglary, was taken to Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, where he died Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Dr. Bradley Lewis, Franklin County coroner, said an autopsy showed Brewer died of strangulation.

Brewer was found in the cell he shared with his alleged attacker in the facility's isolation section.

He was admitted to the institution Nov. 10, 1994, after being convicted in Lucas County.

The suspect, whose name was not released, is serving an eight-year sentence for having a weapon under disability, attempted burglary, and attempted escape, Lt. Gary Lewis, a spokesman for the Ohio Highway Patrol, said.

No charges have been filed, the lieutenant said.