Inmate Death Ruled A Homicide; State Police Have A Suspect

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- Maryland State Police say the death of an inmate in a Cumberland prison has been ruled a homicide.

Troopers said in a news release on Friday that the Chief Medical Examiner's Office had found 59-year-old Terrance Cirata died from asphyxia.

Cirata was found dead in his cell at North Branch Correctional Institution Thursday morning. He was serving a 25-year sentence for sex offenses committed in Wicomico County and had been in prison since 2011.

Police say an inmate suspect has been identified but not charged. Investigators are consulting with the state's attorney in Allegany County.