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Inmate in critical condition; officials believe he set himself on fire

Posted at 8:11 PM, Dec 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-22 21:11:01-05

An inmate is in critical condition Sunday after he was found severely burned at Angola.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate was found behind Main Prison Camp in critical condition from significant burns around 8 a.m. Sunday, officials say.

"Department of Corrections and West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office investigators believe the inmate set himself on fire, as an attempt to commit suicide," a release from the DOC says. "Quick actions by Louisiana State Penitentiary doctors and medical personnel may have saved the man's life and allowed him to be transported to a Baton Rouge hospital for treatment."

Due to privacy concerns, the Department will not release the name of the inmate. At this time, all evidence indicates this was a suicide attempt, and there is no indication of foul play.

The investigation continues, and no further details will be released at this time, officials said.