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A homeless veteran lost his life in a jail cell that was overheated to over 100 degrees.

According to the Associated Press, 56-year-old Jerome Murdough was arrested and charged with trespassing in Harlem, NYC last month. The veteran (who was also mentally ill) was placed in a Rikers Island jail cell without supervision. Murdough’s window remained closed in his cell, leaving him “essentially baked to death.”

Four city officials say Murdough, who took anti-psychotic and anti-seizure medication, apparently did not open a small vent to let cool air into his cell, as other inmates did. Officials also said he was not checked for hours, in violation of department protocol.

The medical examiner’s office said an autopsy was inconclusive and that more tests were needed to determine Murdough’s exact cause of death. But the officials, all with detailed knowledge of the case, say initial indications from the autopsy and investigation point to extreme dehydration or heat stroke.

The Department of Corrections is currently looking into the case to find out more information. To read more, click here.

SOURCE: AP | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty