Harford County Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Harford County Detention Center Inmate Dies at Hospital

[August 27, 2017, Bel Air, MD] A 54-year-old inmate from the Harford County Detention Center died Saturday at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center after experiencing a cardiac arrest.

At approximately 12:24 p.m., after speaking with and evaluating the inmate’s health, deputies assigned to the Harford County Detention Center and Detention Center medical staff determined the inmate would be transported to the hospital for further evaluation and care. At approximately 12:36 p.m., an Advanced Life Support ambulance from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the Detention Center and transported the inmate, identified as John Kobler Burkley II, to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for care.

As the day progressed, Burkley’s condition worsened. At approximately 5:28 p.m., Burkley was pronounced dead at the hospital after experiencing a heart attack.

Pursuant to policy, the inquiry into the Burkley’s death was assumed by detectives with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators with the Forensic Services Unit also responded to document the scene and collect evidence. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was notified, but declined to respond due to the existence of preexisting medical conditions that precipitated Burkley’s death. Burkley’s death is believed to be the result of pre-existing medical conditions.

Burkley was booked into the Detention Center on August 15 for Violation of Probation stemming from a pretrial release agreement. He was originally charged with D.U.I.

The inquiry is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.


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