Inmate Death at Maryland North Branch Correctional Institution Under Investigation by State Police

Maryland State Police are leading an inquiry into the death of an inmate at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Allegany County. The inmate, identified as 50-year-old Billy Sorrow, was pronounced deceased on Saturday by emergency medical personnel. Investigators are currently awaiting the results of an autopsy to ascertain the official cause and manner of his death. The investigation is active and ongoing, with the findings slated to be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County for review.

The circumstances surrounding Sorrow’s death began to unfold shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. At that time, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was alerted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Intelligence and Investigative Division (DPSCS IID) to the inmate’s passing. Preliminary findings suggest that Sorrow was in his cell with another inmate before he was discovered unresponsive on the floor. Maryland State Police investigators, accompanied by crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, responded to the correctional facility to commence their investigation. Authorities have identified another inmate as a person of interest in the case, but this individual has not yet been charged and their identity is being withheld pending the progression of the investigation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from a Maryland State Police News Release.

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