FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (20-209)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

November 7,  2020 (Lincoln, Neb.) – The death of an inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary is being investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). Kevin Carter #210819, age 20, was pronounced deceased shortly after 11:00 p.m. on November 6, 2020.

Staff members found Carter lying on the floor of the cell he shared at the penitentiary with another inmate. He had been covered with a sheet and was unresponsive. Staff members made multiple attempts to revive him, which were unsuccessful.

“The investigation into the circumstances of Carter’s death are still very preliminary,” said NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes. “The initial indications are that this death is suspicious. We will know more as witnesses are interviewed in the coming days.”

Carter’s sentence started December 18, 2019. He was serving a six- to nine-year sentence for charges out of Douglas County that included terroristic threats and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

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