FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-06)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

February 23, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Harold Nokes (88) inmate #29217 and Gary Pope (68) inmate #33644 died on February 22, 2017.

Harold Nokes died at 9:18 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.  He was serving a life sentence for 1st degree murder from Red Willow County.  His sentence began on March 22, 1974.

Gary Pope died at 9:55 p.m. at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center.  He was serving a life sentence for 1st degree murder from Saunders County.  His sentence began on June 23, 1981.

While the causes of death have not been determined, both Mr. Nokes and Mr. Pope were being treated for long-term medical conditions.  As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Department of Correctional Services, a Grand Jury will conduct an investigation.

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