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An inmate from Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy has died following an injury sustained a few weeks ago. Edward Sholtz, 22, passed away on Sunday (January 5) at Wynn Hospital in Utica. Sholtz was transported to the hospital on December 17, where he was later declared brain dead by doctors on December 20, according to his family.
Sholtz was serving a 12-year sentence after admitting to attempting to sexually assault a woman in 2021. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has stated there are no signs of staff misconduct or foul play. However, the Office of Special Investigations is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Sholtz's family expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding his injury, as he lived in a single cell and they believe he did not attempt suicide. They were informed about his condition by another inmate and were initially not notified by the prison about his hospitalization.
The state Attorney General's Office is expected to conduct a preliminary assessment of Sholtz's death. This comes amid increased scrutiny of prisons in Oneida County, where past incidents of abuse by correctional officers have been reported.
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