Kansas inmate accused of killing his cellmate

BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are investigating a suspected murder that occurred at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, the correctional facility reported a suspicious death to the KBI. The investigation revealed that 40-year-old Brooks Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell by correctional officers around 5 p.m. Vonthaer had suffered several fatal injuries. Medical staff pronounced him dead at 5:18 p.m

A 34-year-old male suspect was identified. He is incarcerated at the facility and was Vonthaer's cellmate. The KBI did not release the name of the cellmate.

By law, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in Kansas jails and prisons unless the deceased inmate receives regular treatment from a doctor or the death is determined to be natural by an autopsy.

Once the investigation is complete, the results will be presented to the Butler County Prosecutor's Office for charging purposes.