Prison inmate dies unexpectedly
A Fort Dodge Correctional Facility inmate died unexpectedly Thursday night after a medical emergency, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Corrections.
James Glen Merical, 47, was pronounced dead at 10:18 p.m. at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. DOC officials do not suspect foul play in the death.
Merical was serving two consecutive 25-year sentences for second-degree kidnapping and first-degree robbery for offenses in Polk County. His sentence began in March 1997. His release date was tentatively scheduled for September 2039.
The State Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.