State should disclose inmate-death records: Access counselor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner's corrections agency is withholding public records about a prison altercation last spring that led to an inmate's death and the suspension of four prison guards.

The state's public access counselor ruled last month that the Illinois Department of Corrections should release most of the documents regarding the May 17 incident at Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mount Sterling.

The FBI is investigating 65-year-old inmate Larry Earvin's death. It was ruled a homicide after "an altercation with prison staff."

The Associated Press requested the records in July under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Corrections says disclosure would jeopardize the investigation.

The public access counselor's nonbinding ruling said Corrections didn't prove the investigation would be compromised and must disclose the records.

Rauner spokeswoman Elizabeth Tomev says Rauner supports Corrections officials' decision.