Pennsylvania man dies while incarcerated at Rockview state prison in Centre County
A Pennsylvania man incarcerated at Rockview state prison died Friday, the prison’s top official said in a news release Monday.
Kevin J. Byler, 47, of Perry County, was found unresponsive in his cell Friday, Superintendent Bobbi Salamon said. Prison staff immediately responded with life-saving measures until emergency medical service arrived, the state Department of Corrections said.
Byler was pronounced dead about 7:50 p.m. Friday, Salamon said.
An autopsy was completed Saturday, Centre County Deputy Coroner Debra Smeal told the Centre Daily Times. Neither a cause nor manner of death has been established; an investigation is ongoing.
State police at Rockview are also investigating, as required by state policy. It was not immediately clear if foul play is suspected. A message left with a spokesman was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.
Byler pleaded guilty in September 2023 to one felony count of strangulation. He was serving four years, three months to 8 1/2 years in state prison. A message left with his defense lawyer was not immediately returned.
Byler was at Rockview since Jan. 9, the DOC said.