News Release from: Oregon Dept. of Corrections
Posted: January 15th, 2013 12:27 PM
State medical examiner confirms cause of inmate death at Santiam Correctional Institution as health related
An autopsy conducted Monday by the state medical examiner's office confirmed the cause of Sunday's unexpected inmate death at Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI) was health related and not associated with a crime. The Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Division is now concluding its investigation.
The autopsy confirmed inmate Walter Carl Peck died of heart disease. Peck was pronounced deceased at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday. He was 71 years old. The inmate was formerly known as Lawrence Michael Peck. Information received Monday revealed Peck took on his deceased half-brother's name, Walter Carl Peck, several years ago.
Peck entered DOC custody on March 18, 2004, on one count of sex abuse in the first degree out of Marion County. His earliest release date was Sept. 10, 2013.
SCI is a minimum-custody facility in Salem that houses approximately 440 inmates who are within four years of release. It provides a range of correctional services and programs, including education, pre-release and transitional services, and work opportunities.
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Contact Info: Contact Info: Susi Hodgin, PIO Santiam Correctional Institution
503-378-5558 x259
Liz Craig, Communications Manager
Oregon Department of Corrections
503-945-0930