Collegeville, PA – Joseph Terra, Superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix, reports that inmate Ashokkumar Guru, 67, was found unresponsive in his cell on August 4, 2024. Prison staff and EMS responded and attempted life-saving measures; however, Guru was pronounced deceased at 10:24 a.m. 

Guru was serving a life sentence for First Degree Murder on a Philadelphia County conviction. He arrived at SCI Phoenix on December 22, 2021.  

In accordance with policy, Pennsylvania State Police were notified and will conduct an investigation. The official cause of death will be determined by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.

The deceased's next-of-kin has been notified.

###

Corrections Media Contact Details

Ryan Tarkowski

Communications Director
Department of Corrections Media

Maria Bivens

Press Secretary
Department of Corrections Media