July 17th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

An autopsy Friday identified the cause of death and confirmed a state prison inmate found deceased in his cell Thursday in Allegany County was murdered. 

            An autopsy was conducted on the body of Terrance Cirata, 59, at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.  Doctors identified Cirata’s cause of death as asphyxia and said the manner of death was homicide. 

            Cirata was found deceased in his cell shortly before 8:00 a.m. Thursday at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Md.  According to Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services officials, Cirata was serving a 25-year sentence for sex offenses and had been in prison since 2011.    

            No one has been charged at this time, but State Police Homicide Unit investigators have identified an inmate suspect.  The suspect will not be publicly identified until he is charged.  Investigators will continue to consult with the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding charges as the investigation progresses.