Detectives assigned to the Homicide and Sexual Offenses Branch are currently investigating a death which was recently ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia.  The victim, identified as 44-year-old Houston Quildon, was an inmate at the DC Jail who died on Friday, March 21, 2008, evidently as the result of injuries sustained during an assault in September of 2007.

On September 18, 2007, Mr. Quildon reported to DC Jail staff members that he was assaulted by his cellmate while he was asleep in his bed.  As a result of this assault, the decedent sustained a fractured mandible.  Consequently, Mr. Quildon underwent surgery to place metal plates on both sides of his jaw.  Since the injury, Mr. Quildon continued to make routine visits to the infirmary and area hospitals and his health declined substantially. 

On Friday, March 21, 2008 at about 5:30 am, Mr. Quildon, who was still an inmate at DC Jail, was evaluated and it was discovered that his blood pressure was low.  At 5:55 am while being treated, he fell unconscious, at which time medical staff called 9-1-1.  DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to the facility at approximately 6:05 and transported him to Greater Southeast Community Hospital for further treatment.  He was pronounced on arrival.

Initially, Mr. Quildon's death was determined to be the result of natural causes.  However, further investigation, toxicology reports, and medical records prompted the   Medical Examiner’s Office to rule this death a homicide. 

The investigation is ongoing.  However, homicide detectives have applied for a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for a suspect in this case. 

No further information is currently available.