CT man charged in mother’s murder found dead in prison cell

A New Milford man charged with murder in connection with his mother last month was found dead in his prison cell in Newtown on Monday in what officials determined to be a suicide.

Eric Meagan was found alone in his cell at Garner Correctional Institution with a ligature tied to his neck around 3:27 p.m. Monday, according to the Connecticut Department of Correction.

He was given emergency aid by a correctional officer and medical staff but was pronounced dead at 3:52 p.m., the DOC said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. His death was caused by a ligature compression to his neck, officials said.

Meagen was charged with murder in June after calling 911 on June 5 and telling authorities he had just killed his mother, 56-year-old Victoria Palmer, near a park in New Milford, the New Milford Police Department said.

Man allegedly killed mother in New Milford, called 911 to report it

The 34-year-old called the New Milford police at about 8:25 a.m. and told police where he was and reportedly described his mother’s murder and what lead up to it.

Palmer was found submerged in the water near Still River adjacent to Harrybrooke Park at 100 Still River Dr., records show. She was taken to New Milford Hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said.

Meagan was brought into the New Haven Correctional Center on June 6 and was transferred to Garner Correctional Institution on June 15, the DOC said. He was found in his cell by a correctional staff member who was conducting a routine tour on Monday. According to court records, Meagan was scheduled to appear in court in Torrington on Tuesday.

The Department of Correction Security Division and Connecticut State Police are investigating his death.