The inmate, whose name has not been released pending notification of next of kin, was declared dead by emergency medical service personnel Monday night, according to state police. The death was reported to the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit shortly before midnight on Nov. 9 by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit.

Two other inmates have been identified as suspects in the death. Neither has been charged, and their names are being withheld until charges are filed, police said.

Investigators are awaiting autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death. Maryland State Police crime scene technicians and DPSCS internal investigators are assisting with the case.

DPSCS officials said in a statement that the department takes the loss of life seriously and that protecting staff and incarcerated individuals remains its highest priority. The department said it is committed to a thorough investigation.

Once completed, the investigation will be presented to the Allegany County State's Attorney's Office for review regarding potential charges. The investigation is ongoing.

North Branch Correctional Institution, located near Cumberland, is one of the state's largest maximum-security facilities. The death marks at least the second time this year that state police have been called to investigate a fatality at the prison, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety and oversight within Maryland's correctional system.

Advocates for incarcerated people have long called for greater transparency around deaths in custody, including timely release of names and circumstances. State police have not said when additional information, including the victim's identity, will be made public.