Kansas inmate’s death investigated as apparent homicide

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at a Kansas prison as an apparent homicide. The Kansas Department of Corrections said in a news release that 56-year-old Fred Patterson III died Sunday at the Lansing Correctional Facility. He had been there since May after violating parole in a child sexual assault case. The release said there would be an independent autopsy but provided no details about a cause of death or a suspect. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation.