Inquest set in hanging death of Helena jail inmate

HELENA – A coroner’s inquest is set for Friday in the March 2015 hanging death of a Lewis and Clark County jail inmate.

State investigators determined the death of 61-year-old Patrick Lee Falcon Jr. appeared to be a suicide. By law an inquest is held when an inmate’s death cannot be attributed to natural causes.

The Independent Record reported a six-member coroner’s jury will be asked to determine if any criminal act led to Falcon’s death.

Falcon was jailed on felony charges of assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment.