Suicide suspected in Central Prison death

Paul Pellini #1757361 died Saturday of an apparent suicide at Central Prison.

Pellini was found unresponsive outside his cell around 3:35 p.m. Staff began life-saving procedures, and EMS was called. He was pronounced dead at 3:51 p.m.

State Capital Police and the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating, which is required by law of all deaths in custody. The NC Department of Adult Correction is cooperating fully and conducting its own investigation.

Pellini, 54, was a safekeeper held on behalf of Currituck County since April 2, pending a court date for charges of rape and sexual exploitation of a minor.

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