Officials in Cambria County say a recent homicide case is now closed after the suspect was reportedly found dead of an apparent suicide at the Cambria County Prison.
Cambria County coroner Jeff Lees says 57-year-old Douglas Yonker was found unresponsive in his cell on Wednesday afternoon, just before 12:30, during a routine check by prison staff.
Investigators say Yonker was reportedly found hanging in his cell and was pronounced dead just before 1 p.m.
Authorities noted that Yonker was alone in his cell at the time of his death and a suicide note was also discovered.
Police arrested Yonker last month following a deadly shooting at a home along K Street, in the West End section of Johnstown.
Authorities say Yonker was facing homicide and aggravated assault charges in the death of 40-year-old Lenamarie Azzoli.
“Law enforcement wishes we could give Ms. Azzoli’s family and friends the closure that justice can bring, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost a loved one,” DA Greg Neugebauer said.
According to a statement from the district attorney’s office, due to Yonker’s unforeseen death, the case is now closed.
The coroner’s office has officially ruled Yonker’s death as a suicide and a toxicology report is pending.
