CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island corrections officer has been taken off the job as state officials continues to probe the death of a man in custody for the fatal beating of a couple in their home.
The Providence Journal reports the state Department of Corrections confirmed on Wednesday that an unnamed officer at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston has been placed on paid administration leave as part of the inquiry into the death of Timothy McQuesten.
The 49-year-old was found unresponsive in his single cell at the state prison’s Intake Service Center on Monday. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he was pronounced dead. At the time, prison officials said the death was under investigation but foul play was not suspected.
Kimberly and Mark Dupre, both in their 60s, were found in their Lincoln home last Thursday by police responding to a call from a neighbor. Kimberly Dupre was pronounced dead at the scene while Mark Dupre died at the hospital.
McQuesten was arraigned Friday on two counts of first-degree murder and held without bail. He did not enter a plea.
Authorities did not disclose a motive but said there was a previous relationship between the victims and the suspect, who lived about a quarter mile away.
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