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Saturday, November 14, 2015

Homicide of Todd Clementz found in death at State of Illinois Warren G. Murray Developmental Center

CENTRALIA, Ill.- AP-Nov. 13, 2015--A coroner's inquest has ruled a homicide occurred in a resident's death at a state-run southern Illinois home for adults with developmental disabilities.

A Marion County jury made the determination Thursday night after hearing testimony that Todd Clementz, 46, was being given a shower as punishment at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia on March 30 when he began choking.

The Belleville News-Democrat (bit.ly/1NvzMes) reported that Clementz, who was deaf and blind, later died at a hospital.

Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon said evidence suggests the employee had previously taken similar steps with Clementz and other residents.

"Basically, there are indications that the employee had done this kind of thing in the past with this resident — and other ones, as well, even before this took place,'" he said.

The case was referred for possible prosecution to Clinton County State's Attorney John Hudspeth, who did not immediately reply Friday to an Associated Press request for comment. Clementz died at a hospital located in the part of Centralia located in Marion County.

Illinois Department of Human Services spokeswoman Veronica Vera said that two employees, whom she declined to name, were placed on administrative leave shortly after the death and one has since been fired. She said the agency will take further personnel actions as necessary.

The residential center had been slated for closing by the state as part of a broader plan to shift residents to private group homes. Opposition from employees, community members and relatives of residents helped prevent that move.

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