NEWPORT, AR – An inmate at the Grimes Unit in Newport died after sustaining stab wounds from another inmate.
On Wednesday (June 17) at 3:32 a.m., Joe K. Harter, 32, was pronounced dead at White River Medical Center in Searcy, 24 hours after being stabbed by another inmate during an altercation that happened Monday evening.
Correctional officers responded to the altercation in a housing barracks and discovered Harter had suffered puncture wounds to his chest with a homemade weapon which was confiscated.
Harter was taken to Harris Hospital in Newport, where he was treated and released.
The ADC medical staff who were continuing to monitor Harter’s condition throughout the day, became concerned. He was transported by ambulance to Harris Hospital at 5:30 p.m.
Medical staff at Harris Hospital determined that Harter needed to be sent to White River Medical Center, where he died early Wednesday.
Arkansas State Police will continue its investigation into both the altercation and Inmate Harter’s death. His body will be sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab for an autopsy.
Harter was serving a 15-year sentence for manufacturing/delivery/possession of a controlled substance out of Grant County.
