LaBelle, PA – Michael Tkacs, acting superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Fayette, reported that inmate James Jarzenski, Jr., 43, was found unresponsive in his cell on October 7, 2023. Prison staff and medical personnel immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Jarzenski was pronounced deceased by Brownsville EMS personnel.
Jarzenski was serving a 13-to 30-year sentence for Robbery w/Serious Bodily Injury on a Venango County conviction. He has been at SCI Fayette since January 2021.
In accordance with state policy, the Pennsylvania State Police were notified and will conduct an investigation. The official cause of death will be determined by the Fayette County Coroner's Office.
The deceased's next-of-kin has been notified.
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