BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

CANTON – No foul play is suspected in the death of John Free, an inmate at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility who is believed to have taken his own life Friday.

The NYS Attorney General’s office is investigating the death of the 51-year-old inmate who had been in custody since May 2024 awaiting trial for murder.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Patrick Engle said that no corrections officers were suspended as part of that investigation. He also clarified that Free was not under watch as a mental health risk at the time of his death.

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua said that Free had a medical emergency just after 2 p.m. Friday. He said jail staff attempted unsuccessfully to perform life saving measures.

The autopsy results showed that the cause of death was asphyxiation and appeared to be a suicide. 

At the time of his death, Free was facing serious charges in connection with the 2024 murder of John Barr, whose body was discovered in his Rensselaer Falls home.

Pasqua said he was confident that his office had enough evidence to convict Free for the murder.

He revealed that Free confessed to the crime and was linked to it through physical and DNA evidence, including a metal pipe, a BB gun and a wooden broom. He had also been seen selling Barr's vehicle after the murder.

The investigation into Free's death is being led by the New York State Police and the Attorney General’s Office, as per protocol for any deaths that occur in law enforcement custody. 

While some questions about the specific circumstances of the suicide remain unanswered, officials said that the primary goal of the press conference was to release information about the cause of death and assure the public that the investigation would continue.

Sheriff Engle also addressed the mental health screenings for inmates, stating that all prisoners are assessed for mental health issues upon intake. While there had been no indication that Free was under observation for mental health concerns at the time of his death, the sheriff confirmed that all inmates have access to mental health professionals during their incarceration.

Because Free was the sole suspect in the killing of Barr, the indictment against him will now be dismissed.

According to the sheriff, Free’s death marks the first suicide at the facility in more than 30 years.

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you read this article reported by the staff of NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news, promote our many community events, and encourage community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!