Aaron Cooper
Aaron Cooper, 26, was held in segregation at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia, when he died on July 28, 2010. Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Ron Elkins said another segregated prisoner lured Cooper to the fence between their recreation cages with a supposed gift and strangled him with a noose made of torn bed sheets. Guards found him dead when they came to return the other man to his cell. His mother said he had bipolar disorder and ADHD, had spent much of his childhood in and out of psychiatric facilities, and wrote letters home to her. Prison officials declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation, and the account of the killing is the prosecutor's claim.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Ron Elkins says another segregated prisoner lured Cooper to the fence between their recreation cages and strangled him with a noose made of bed sheets.
Reported by: Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Ron Elkins.