An inmate at the Varner Unit of the Department of Correction died Sunday in what authorities are calling an apparent suicide. Prison spokesman Solomon Graves said Gregg Smith was found hanging from a homemade noose in his single cell at about 5:46 p.m.
Correctional officers and medical staff began on-site treatment before transferring Smith to the Unit infirmary, where he was pronounced dead at 6:23 p.m. Graves said the Arkansas State Police were notified and responded to the unit where they will conduct an investigation into the death. In addition, the Department of Correction will conduct an internal investigation.
Smith was 28. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2009 killing of Ronald Dale Cathey of Pocahontas.