Woman found dead in Benton County Jail

By Associated Press Published: Mar 14, 2013 at 10:30 AM PDT

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — An inmate was found dead Wednesday in the Benton County Jail.

The sheriff's office believes the 58-year-old woman died of natural causes, based on her history of drug use.

She was in jail for a parole violation.

Jail staff found her during a security check.

The Tri-City Herald reports Sheriff Steve Keane has requested an independent investigation to avoid any conflict of interest.