TECUMSEH – State officials are investigating the death of a Tecumseh State Prison inmate after fires were set at the correctional institution.  Jesse Spencer died Thursday, October 5th, after he was found unresponsive inside his cell.

Spencer was one of five inmates authorities say who intentionally set fires inside of their cells on a housing unit around 6:00 p.m.

Staff members responded immediately, including members of the facility’s Corrections Emergency Response Team. Inmates in the affected cells initially refused staff directives. Three inmates complied and were escorted out. Two others, including Spencer, continued to refuse. When staff members went in to retrieve them, Spencer was found lying in his cell. Staff members attempted life saving efforts, but were unsuccessful.

Staff members quickly extinguished the fires, which were out by the time local fire crews arrived at TSCI. No other housing units were impacted. No other inmates required medical attention. Two staff members were examined at the hospital for non-serious medical issues related to the incident.

Spencer’s sentence began on September 18th, 2014. He was serving just over 12 years to 20 years on charges that included second degree assault, assault by a confined person, theft, terroristic threats and criminal mischief out of Gage, Johnson and Lancaster counties.

The Tecumseh State Prison remains on modified operations while the incident is being investigated.

A grand jury will also conduct an investigation.