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Arizona Department of Corrections investigating two inmate deaths

Posted at 1:31 PM, Apr 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-06 21:49:31-04

Investigators with the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) are investigating the suspected murders of two inmates who were being housed at two separate Arizona facilities.

On March 25, 34-year-old Mark Johnson was found unresponsive in his bunk at ASPC-Lewis in Buckeye. 

According to officials, Johnson suffered injuries consistent with a physical altercation.

Johnson was taken to a Goodyear hospital for treatment and was pronounced dead less than two weeks later.

Authorities say an investigation is ongoing and criminal charges will be brought against the alleged suspect once they’re identified.

On March 28, 67-year-old Joel Barr was found dead in his medium-custody housing unit at ASPC-Eyman in Florence.  

Officials say Barr suffered life-threatening facial injuries during an apparent assault. 

On April 2, Barr was pronounced dead at a Chandler hospital. The person who allegedly killed Barr has been identified and the ADA says it intends to "fully pursue criminal prosecution of any suspect(s) identified in this case."