MSP Investigating Third Inmate Death at ECI this Year

WESTOVER, Del. – The Maryland State Police (MSP) announced on Sunday that they are investigating the death of an inmate at the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) in Somerset County.

Around 6:00 a.m. on Nov. 9, the MSP Homicide Unit  was contacted by investigators from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit about an inmate death.

A preliminary investigation by authorities indicates 36-year-old Ray Stephen Oselmo was found lying on the ground and unresponsive in his cell by ECI officers. Officials say he was declared deceased by emergency medical service personnel. According to court documents obtained by WMDT, Oselmo was a state prison inmate serving time for sexual abuse of a minor.

A suspect, also an inmate, has been identified.  He has not been charged at this time and is not being identified pending further investigation.

This is the third inmate death at ECI in Westover this year. On Mar. 31, 28-year-old Shane Lanham was found unresponsive in his cell. On Sept. 3, 26-year-old Tyjuan Chapple was charged in connection with Lanahm’s death.

Further, on Aug. 31, 24-year-old Donyell Cornell Morris was found dead in his bunk. Investigators say Morris was in the cell with another inmate before being found deceased. The Maryland State Police are still investigating his death.

Upon completion, police say the investigation will be presented to the State’s Attorney’s Office in Somerset County for review. An investigation into this incident is active and ongoing.