YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash.-The death of a second Yakima Department of Corrections inmate in the past week is now being investigated.
Melissa Gardee was found unresponsive in her cell by a medical staff member around 5:55 p.m. on March 14.
According to the DOC, the medical staff member provided emergency medical care and 911 was called. The fire department and ambulance responded, however, Gardee was pronounced dead around 6:43 p.m.
Gardee was taken into custody on June 4, 2023 on suspicion of second degree assault, second and third degree assault of a child, domestic violence assault in the fourth degree and driving with a suspended license, according to the DOC.
The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to conduct an investigation and review of the unexpected death and the Yakima Police Department was also brought in to investigate.
The investigation into the death is ongoing and the DOC is conducting an internal investigation, according to a press release on the death.
