Death row inmate found dead in cell

PONTIAC -- A death row inmate known as the "Bully of Toulon" has died in his cell at the Pontiac Correctional Center.

Officials say Curt Thompson was found dead Friday night of an apparent suicide. Livingston County Coroner Michael Burke says autopsy results should be ready in about three weeks.

Derek Schnapp is a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Corrections. He says Thompson lived in his cell alone.

Thompson's wife, 66-year-old Virginia Thompson, died Wednesday at her home.

Thompson received the death penalty in 2003 after being convicted in the 2002 murders of a Stark County deputy and two neighbors.

Schnapp says Illinois State Police and the Department of Corrections are investigating Thompson's death.