HARRISBURG, Pa. – Dauphin County Prison has reported a death of an incarcerated individual by apparent suicide, which occurred early Monday morning.

Christopher K. Phy, 38, was found hanging in an empty cell, unresponsive and not breathing at 1:18 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, prompting prison staff to call a medical emergency. Another incarcerated individual found Phy in the cell, which was used as a bathroom for individuals housed in the prison Dayroom. Staff and medical personnel immediately responded. Phy was pronounced dead at 1:53 a.m. Monday. The family has been notified.

Phy had been in Dauphin County Prison since Nov. 20, 2023, when he was arrested and booked on charges of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility. He was awaiting trial.

In accordance with county policy, the incident will be investigated by Dauphin County Prison Internal Affairs, the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division and the Dauphin County Coroner.

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