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White Pine County sheriff’s detectives are investigating a possible murder at the Ely State Prison.
According to Under sheriff Scott Henroid dispatch received a call Monday from ESP officials informing them that an inmate identified as Erick Houser, 31, was found dead in his cell which was occupied by him and another inmate.
During the Sheriff’s Office investigation it was ruled that Houser’s death could be a possible homicide. Houser was transported to the Clark County Coroners Office for a autopsy to determine the cause of death. Investigation continues.
Corrections spokesman Kevin Ingram says an autopsy was planned, and White Pine County sheriff’s and prisons officials are investigating.
Houser had been serving time for convictions in Washoe County on weapon and stolen vehicle possession charges.
Originally sentenced to the minimum security Carlin Honor Camp, Houser walked away while on a work detail in 2008 with less than a year before parole. He was captured less than a week later in Reno and now deemed a flight risk was sent to Ely Maximum Security Prison where he was ordered to serve out his full sentenced with another six years tacked on for his escape.