Crystal Lake man dies from injuries while in jail

A 42-year-old Crystal Lake man died over the weekend from injuries suffered while alone in his cell at the McHenry County jail, police said Tuesday.

Thomas J. Puchmelter was pronounced dead Sunday at Woodstock Centegra Hospital, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department announced in a news release.

Puchmelter was found in his cell at 11 p.m. Friday and rushed to the hospital.

McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz said an autopsy was performed Tuesday and a preliminary cause of death was by hanging.

An inquest — at which a coroner’s jury will determine if Puchmelter’s death was accidental, a suicide or homicide — has not been scheduled.

Puchmelter was arrested Feb. 15 on felony charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery to an elderly person and battery with a weapon, authorities said.

McHenry County Undersheriff Andrew Zinke said officials are reviewing policies and procedures at the jail in the wake of Puchmelter’s death.

Patrick Firman, the sheriff’s department deputy chief of corrections, said a final report on Puchmelter’s death should be completed this week.

The McHenry facility is one of four jails in Illinois to receive accreditation for its procedures from the American Correctional Association, Firman said.

The designation, earned in August 2010, lasts for four years, and the other counties with it are DuPage, Will and Lake out of 102 in the state, Firman said.