Authorities are investigating two deaths involving inmates at Connecticut correctional facilities in as many days, including one involving a man serving prison time for attacking state Rep. Maryam Khan.
The latest death occurred Monday when staff at the Garner Correctional Institution in Newton found an inmate unresponsive in his cell around 6:45 a.m., according to Andrius Banevicius, spokesperson for the state Department of Correction.
Staff initiated life-saving measures before the inmate was taken in an ambulance to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, Banevicius said.
Andrey Desmond. (Hartford Police Department)
The inmate has been identified as 32-year-old Andrey Desmond, who was sentenced to five years in prison in June 2024 for attacking Khan after she attended an Eid al-Adha prayer service at the former XL Center arena in Hartford in June 2023. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Desmond’s cause and manner of death remain pending further studies and investigation.
“As this matter is the subject of active Department of Correction and Connecticut State Police investigations, no additional information is being released at this time,” Banevicius said in a statement.
A Connecticut State Police spokesperson said the incident is being investigated as an “untimely death.” The Western District Major Crime Squad is assisting.
Desmond’s sentencing came after he pleaded guilty to attempted third-degree sexual assault, first-degree strangulation and risk of injury to a minor, court records show.
Khan was taking photos outside the arena with her family when Desmond approached her and said he wanted to have sex with her, according to court documents. Desmond — who had a history of mental illness — then followed Khan and grabbed at her face and shirt while allegedly demanding a kiss, court papers said.
Khan said Desmond eventually became angry with her and slapped her across the face before putting her in a chokehold, according to court documents. He also slammed her onto the ground before bystanders in the area could detain him until police arrived.
Following the attack, Khan said she injured her arm and shoulder and was diagnosed with a concussion.
Desmond’s death comes a day after an inmate died at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Banevicius said. State police and the DOC’s Security Division are “carefully reviewing the matter,” Banevicius said.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, we are not able to provide any further information at this time,” Banevicius said.