CANTON, NY – Local authorities are set to provide more information on the death of John Free, a suspect in a murder case, who was found deceased in his cell at St. Lawrence County Jail on March 14. Officials have scheduled a press conference for 3 p.m. at the St. Lawrence County Board Courthouse to discuss the case.
Free, 58, from Ogdensburg, was awaiting trial for multiple charges, including second-degree murder, when he died under undisclosed circumstances. An autopsy was conducted on Monday, though results have not yet been made public. State police, along with the State Attorney General’s Office due to the nature of Free’s death while in custody, are investigating.
Prior to his incarceration, Free was indicted for the alleged murder of 58-year-old John Barr of Rensselaer Falls, reportedly using a blunt object to cause fatal head injuries. The murder, said to have occurred between April 5 and April 12, came to light when Barr’s body was discovered on May 16.
Additionally, Free faced charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, and third-degree grand larceny, the latter stemming from accusations of stealing property valued over $3,000.
The backdrop to these charges includes Free’s former employment at Ivy Ridge, where he was featured in media discussions. Notably, he participated in a podcast with two former students of Ivy Ridge and was interviewed by WWNY-TV for an hour-long segment.
Ivy Ridge, now shuttered, has attracted national scrutiny following a Netflix documentary, “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnappings,” which highlighted alleged abuses during its operation from 2001 to 2009. The facility was part of a network of programs aimed at reforming troubled youths but has since faced numerous allegations of mistreatment.
The investigation into Free’s death while awaiting trial adds another layer to the grim narrative surrounding his charges and former place of employment. As the community and investigators seek answers, the upcoming press conference is expected to shed light on the events leading to his untimely death in custody. Moreover, it will potentially provide insights into the broader implications for the justice system in dealing with cases involving suspects in custody.