MALVERN, AR — Inmate Billy Chansley, 71, apparently took his own life earlier today at the Ouachita River Correctional Unit at Malvern.
He suffered from dementia and was housed in the unit's infirmary.
Early reports indicate that he smothered himself. Prior to his death, Chansley was reported to be in good spirts by infirmary staff.
As is standard procedure, the Arkansas State Police have been called in to investigate the death.
Chansley was serving a 20-year sentence out of Pulaski County for rape. He was sentenced November 22, 1995.
