By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
HOULTON — The Maine State Police are investigating a death at the Aroostook County Jail, following the discovery of an unresponsive inmate earlier this week.
“At around 1:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 31-year-old Kirk Sharp was found hanging by a bed sheet in his cell by corrections officers. The inmate was alone in the locked cell at the time,” said Chief Deputy Sheriff Darrell Crandall, of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
Crandall said corrections officers worked to revive Sharp, who was subsequently transported by ambulance to the Houlton Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
Officials believe Sharp committed suicide.
“At the request of the Sheriff’s Office, the Maine State Police will be leading the investigation into the apparent suicide,” said Crandall.
Crandall said the Sheriff’s Office will also work with the Maine Department of Corrections to conduct an internal review of jail procedures, which is standard practice in situations like this.
Sharp, whose most recent residences include Castle Hill and Mars Hill, was reportedly in custody after he was arrested in Mars Hill late last week following a domestic issue.
Crandall said it was the first time in more than 25 years that an inmate has committed suicide at the County Jail.
