A Rochelle man died earlier yesterday morning after he became sick while in his cell at the DeKalb County jail in Sycamore.
28-year old Brandon Washington was found unresposive by deputies a short time after 2am. CPR was performed by jail personnel while the Sycamore Fire Department ambulance was called to the scene.
Washington was pronounced dead about a half hour later at Kishwaukee Community Hospital In DeKalb.
The Rochelle resident came to the DeKalb County jail from the Department of Corrections on November 3rd of last year for a previous conviction of first degree murder in 2009.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Washington along with his cell mate, 26-year old Christopher Gerken of Sycamore, had ingested homemade alcohol known as "Hooch". They may also have had drugs in their system.
An autopsy is scheduled for today in DeKalb County.
Gerken was also in jail on a first degree murder charge by DeKalb Police. He is currently being treated for his illness at Kishwaukee Community Hospital.
The investigation continues in the death of Washington by Illinois State Police along with DeKalb County Sheriff's Police and the coroner's office. The Illinois Department of Corrections is also investigating the incident.
The State Police report will be presented to the DeKalb County State's Attorney's office once its completed.
