Potosi Correctional Center Inmate Dies at Hospital

Mineral Point, Mo. (KFMO) - An inmate housed at the Potosi Correctional Center has died after being transported to a hospital in Jefferson County.

Missouri Department of Corrections officials say 65-year-old Steven Parkus was pronounced dead at Mercy Jefferson Hospital in Festus at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.

Parkus had been incarcerated at the Potosi Correctional Center and had been serving a life without parole sentence. According to corrections officials, Parkus had been in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections since November 3, 1977.

His convictions included assault with intent to rape with malice, assault with intent to rob, and escape from jail in Cooper County. He was also serving time for rape, sodomy, and first-degree murder from Cole County, along with a first-degree assault conviction from Washington County.

Officials say an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.