Retta Cruse
Retta Cruse, 38, died on February 21, 2025, while held at Perryville Prison in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Corrections said she died by suicide by hanging and could not be revived. State officials said she appeared to have hanged herself in her cell. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office is reviewing the death, and the news of it became public about a week later.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide. State officials said Retta Cruse was found unconscious in her cell, appeared to have hanged herself, and could not be revived, and the Arizona Department of Corrections said she died by suicide.
Reported by: Arizona Department of Corrections (the agency that held her); Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner).