An inmate serving time at William Donaldson Correctional Facility for a murder conviction died over the weekend.

William Lynn Smith, 48, was found unresponsive Saturday inside his private cell, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The 9:43 a.m. discovery was made by correctional staff performing a safety check.

Smith was pronounced dead at 10:02 a.m.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said an autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause and manner of death.

Smith pleaded guilty in 2018 in Cullman County to the murder of Jeanie Cheryl Kent, who was choked to death in 2017. The two had been in a dating relationship.

Smith was sentenced to 37 years in prison.

The Alabama Department of Correction – Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.