Prisoner kills self with overdose of prescription drugs

The Associated Press

GREENVILLE, S.C. --

Authorities say a 35-year-old prisoner serving a life sentence for murder killed himself with an overdose of prescription drugs.

Prisons spokesman Josh Gelinas tells The Greenville News that investigators initially thought James Bell Junior died of natural causes when he was found dead in his cell in February.

But authorities say an autopsy found the overdose and the cause of death was ruled a suicide.

Bell had been serving a life sentence since he was convicted of murder in Orangeburg County in 1993.

Gelinas says prison officials continue to investigate Bell's death.

Information from: The Greenville News, http://www.greenvillenews.com