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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Corrections Center and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide.
Corrections officers found Leonard Nelson, 22, dead in his cell shortly before noon Tuesday.
Investigators originally believed his death was a suicide but determined his injuries suggest it was actually a homicide.
Charges are pending against Nelson’s cellmate, Daniel Smith, 36. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said the two got into an argument before Nelson’s death.
Nelson was serving time for aggravated burglary and sexual exploitation of a minor. Smith was in for aggravated burglary and theft of property.
Investigators are speaking with inmates and Corrections Center staff to uncover more details, including a motive.
Shelby County inmate dies following argument with cellmate
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