State Police investigate a homicide at Upstate Correctional Facility

Press Release

On April 6, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the New York State Police responded to Upstate Correctional Facility on Bare Hill Road in the town of Malone for a report of a deceased male.

An investigation determined that Michael J. Campbell, age 51, was found unresponsive under a sheet. Further investigation revealed signs of foul play, indicating that Campbell had been strangled with a shoelace by his cellmate, Andrew Hernandez, age 42.

An autopsy was conducted at Glens Falls Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Michael S. Sikirica. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office are assisting with the investigation.

This remains an ongoing investigation, and charges are pending.