An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) inmate died unexpectedly early Monday morning at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. As with all unanticipated deaths in state prisons, the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Unit is conducting an investigation. At approximately 7:35 a.m. on Monday, June 6, staff responded to the cell where inmate Johhny Tinker was the sole occupant. Upon arrival, medical staff determined that he was deceased. Tinker was 59 years old. Tinker entered DOC custody on August 22, 2002 on one count of murder out of Douglas County for killing 16-year old Benny King of Roseburg back in 1975. He was sentenced to life in prison.
