IDOC investigates death of inmate at IMSI

BOISE, Dec. 10, 2016 -- The Idaho Department of Correction is investigating the death of an Idaho Maximum Security Institution inmate who died overnight of apparent natural causes.

At 2 a.m., a correctional officer found Aurelio Moya Barajas on the floor of his single-bed cell. He was responsive when staff entered his cell but soon stopped breathing and had no detectable pulse.

Staff immediately initiated life-saving measures. Ada County Paramedics declared Barajas dead at 3:22 a.m.

IMSI staff contacted the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives processed Barajas’ cell as a crime scene. The Ada County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death.

Barajas was 56 years old.

IMSI is a 516-bed maximum security prison for men south of Boise.