A murder investigation is underway after an inmate dies at the El Dorado Correctional Facility

BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are investigating a suspected murder that occurred at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

On Tuesday, October 22nd, around 5:30 p.m., the correctional facility reported a suspicious death to the KBI. By law, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in Kansas jails and prisons unless the deceased inmate receives regular treatment from a doctor or the death is determined to be natural by an autopsy.

KBI agents reported to the facility to investigate. The investigation revealed that 40-year-old Brooks Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell by correctional officers around 5 p.m. Vonthaer had suffered several fatal injuries. Medical staff pronounced him dead at 5:18 p.m

A 34-year-old male suspect was identified. He is incarcerated at the facility and was Vonthaer’s cellmate.

The investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the results will be presented to the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office for charging purposes. Charges are currently pending.

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