Coroner: Inmate died of natural causes

On February 26, 2023, at approximately 11:40 a.m., an inmate at the Howard County Jail, identified as Donald L. Helton Jr. age 64, was found unconscious and unresponsive.  The medical section was called, and CPR was immediately started.  Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Paramedics responded to the scene for assistance.  At approximately 12:05 p.m., Mr. Helton was pronounced deceased.

An autopsy was conducted this morning under the direction of the Howard County Coroner’s Office by a Forensic Pathologist.  There were no indications of any foul play found. The preliminary results show that Helton died from heart-related issue with the manner of death being natural. The final cause of death is pending toxicology testing which will take 6 to 8 weeks for results.

This is case is an ongoing investigation by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County Coroner’s Office.