Two Idaho Prisoners Commit Suicide Behind Bars

KUNA, Idaho (AP) — An inmate at the Idaho State Correctional Center in Kuna has died of an apparent suicide.

Prison spokesman Jeff Ray tells the Idaho Press-Tribune that 32-year-old Sergey Bogomaz was found unconscious in his cell on Sunday afternoon. Prison staff attempted to resuscitate Bogomaz, who was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m. Bogomaz — who is from West Springfield, Massachusetts — was sentenced in January to one to five years in prison for possession of a controlled substance. The state has asked the Ada County sheriff's office to help with the investigation.

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho State Police are investigating after a 43-year-old man died of an apparent suicide at the Boundary County Jail in Bonners Ferry. Boundary County Chief Deputy Rick Stevens says David Lee Erickson of Bonners Ferry was arrested on a warrant on July 30. Stevens says a stun gun was used to subdue Erickson during the arrest and he also was charged with resisting arrest. Officials say Erickson hanged himself during the night after his arrest. The Bonner County Daily Bee reports jailers and medical responders were unable to resuscitate Erickson. Sheriff Greg Sprungl asked the ISP to investigate. Idaho court records indicate Erickson was wanted for failing to pay fines and fees assessed after he was convicted of driving without a license or insurance in 2013.