Edward Lawrence Nelson, who was imprisoned at the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) for murdering his wife during a domestic violence episode in 2013, died in a hospital this morning, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC).
State Medical Examiner Will Determine the Cause of Death
The Department of Corrections announced yesterday that the State Medical Examiner will establish the cause of death, and the Oregon State Police have been contacted.
The DOC takes every death in custody seriously, according to the brief statement by the SRCI. Nelson, who was 77 years old at the time of his death, entered the prison from Coos County on December 17, 2013. No parole date was determined.
Nelson Was Found Guilty of Aggravated Murder and Arson
Nelson was charged with aggravated murder and first-degree arson after setting flames to his Big Creek Road home and a neighbor’s residence, both of which were destroyed in the conflagration.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the death of an adult female, later identified as Nelson’s wife. A preliminary inquiry determined that she died as a result of homicidal violence.
Nelson was apprehended later that night while driving through Douglas County.
The SRCI is Oregon’s largest prison, with 3,000 beds, and is located near Ontario. The jail provides several programs to help offenders obtain employment skills and connect with the outside world.
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