Murder Suspect Found Dead Inside Fayette County Jail

Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Fayette County jail in West Union.

Mathew Braun, 39, of rural Fayette was found unconscious by correctional staff in an inmate shower and changing room area of the jail around 9:45 p.m. Monday (Oct. 31, 2016). Staff attempted to revive Braun, but he was later pronounced dead by the Fayette County medical examiner.

Sheriff Marty Fisher said Braun's death does not appear to be suspicious in nature and there is no indication of foul play. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Braun was in jail awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge stemming from his arrest on Sept. 17, 2012. He was accused of beating to death Kris Simpson, 57, a fellow resident at the Prairie View Residential Care Facility near Fayette.

The investigation into Braun's death is being conducted with the assistance from the Fayette County Medical Examiner’s Office and the State Of Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has also been contacted.