This tragedy began back in March. The Coroner found that Mr. Clementz suffered at
the hands of a staff person at Murray. We hope that justice is served.

Tony

 

CORONER’S INQUEST FINDS MURRAY CENTER RESIDENT’S DEATH A HOMICIDE

MARION COUNTY — A standing Marion County Coroner’s jury found Thursday night d
uring an inquest that homicide was the cause of death for a resident of the Warren G.
Murray Developmental Center in Centralia.[(Source: Marion County Coroner’s Office)]
(Source: Marion County Coroner’s Office)On March 30 of this year, 46-year-old Todd
Clementz, a resident of the Murray Center, collapsed after a shower at the
developmental center. Clementz was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, where
he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Because Clementz died in Marion County, Coroner Troy Cannon’s office, along with the
Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Illinois State
Police Division of Internal Investigations conducted investigations into Clementz’ death.

Those investigations included an autopsy and toxicology tests, the results of which were
presented to the coroner’s jury Thursday night, along with witness testimony.

The Coroner’s jury found that Clementz, who was deaf and blind, died as the result of
being sprayed in the face with a shower wand until he began choking as punishment by
a Mental Health Technician who was assigned to his unit.

Based upon the information gathered in the investigations, and witness testimony, the
jury found homicide as the cause of Clementz’ death, ruling out accidental, natural,
suicide, or undetermined as other possible options.

According to Cannon, because the incident allegedly leading to Clementz’ death
occurred in Clinton County, the finding will now be handed over to Clinton County State’s
Attorney John Hudspeth, and it will be his decision on how to proceed with possible
criminal prosecutions.


Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org