Indiana State Police investigating the death of an inmate at the Pendleton Correctional Facility

PENDLETON – Early Thursday morning, Detectives from ISP Pendleton District were called to assist in a death investigation of an inmate incarcerated in the Pendleton Correctional Facility.

Preliminary investigation by the detective indicated around 12:46 a.m., the inmate, identified by the Madison County Coroner as Phillip M. Lee, was discovered alone in his cell and unresponsive by correctional staff.  Correctional staff immediately responded and attempted to provide medical care to the individual. However, he was pronounced deceased. Per protocol, the Pendleton Correctional Facility requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police to investigate the death.

Philip M. Lee was being held in the Pendleton Correctional Facility awaiting trial for the 2022 murder of 28-year-old Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.  

Toxicology results and an autopsy are pending, although no foul play is suspected.

The Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Indiana Department of Correction assisted the Indiana State Police in this investigation.

The Madison County Coroner’s Office will release further information.

There is nothing further to be released at this time.