WARREN, Maine (AP) - The death of a Maine State Prison inmate who was allegedly denied medical care is under investigation.
Two inmates told a columnist for the Portland Press Herald that they tried without success to get help for Andrew Leighton, who killed his mother in 2015.
They say Leighton complained of discomfort and difficulty breathing before his death on Oct. 1. They say his raspy breathing could be heard up and down the cell block.
A “working copy” of the death certificate cites complications of repeated asthma attacks, an infection of his salivary glands, and life-threatening sepsis.
The Department of Corrections said Leighton’s death was caused by a “medical issue.” Corrections Commissioner Fitzpatrick said the death is being investigated by state police and by his department. He has declined further comment.
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