On October 13, 2013 at approximately 5:55pm, Melissa Mae Benton, age 37, was found unresponsive in her cell by detention center staff.
Lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated until Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad and Advanced Life Support personnel arrived and transported Benton to Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown. Benton was subsequently pronounced dead by Emergency Room staff.
Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of Professional Responsibilities are conducting a joint investigation. An autopsy was conducted and the results are pending the completion of the Medical Examiner’s report.
No apparent signs of foul play were present inside Benton’s cell. Benton’s next of kin have been notified.
