Michael Smith
Michael Smith, 48, died in a fire in his cell at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City shortly before 11 a.m. on a Saturday in January 2023, the Department of Correction said. Two other people were treated at nearby hospitals and have since been released. The department said the cause is being investigated by Indiana State Police, the state fire marshal's office and the Michigan City Fire Department. WTHR later reported that investigators determined the fire was electrical and accidental and focused on electrical outlets in the cells. The station also linked his death to fire safety, staff training and oversight problems at the prison, which was facing a federal lawsuit over a 2017 fire death at the same facility.
Cause of death, as reported: Died in an accident (neglect alleged). Investigators determined that an electrical fire started accidentally and said the prison's fire safety, staff training and oversight problems contributed to his death.
Reported by: investigators.
Sources (5)
- Indiana State Prison inmate dies in fire; suit over previous fire death set for July trial
- Fire at Indiana State Prison kills inmate, injures 2 others
- Another inmate seriously injured in fire at Indiana State Prison | 13 Investigates
- Burned Alive: Records show dozens of recent fires at Indiana State Prison, prompting more calls for action
- Burned Alive: Indiana Department of Correction takes drastic action following epidemic of fires at state’s oldest prison