Benton County Jail Inmate Who Died Under Suspicious Conditions Identified

Authorities say the man was 18-year-old Mark Anthony Moreno, of Kennewick. He was being held in a 'protective' or padded cell due to potentially harmful behavior.

Moreno was found unresponsive in his cell last Friday morning March 11, and authorities say suicide is not suspected.

Moreno, a documented gang member, was being held in the padded cell due to what was described as destructive behavior. He had not made a court appearance yet, due to violent behavior, escape attempts, attempts to destroy property and threats to harm himself.

Officials say he was under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest on multiple counts out of Kennewick and Pasco, but the arrest was non-violent. Protective cells are used for prisoners who exhibit harmful or potentially harmful behavior towards themselves or others.

Mandatory 30 minute welfare checks were made on Moreno as required, he was found unresponsive in the cell around 7:30am during one of these checks. He died a short time later.