Suspect found dead in jail cell

A suspect arrested near Sikeston earlier this week after a robbery and chase that left a Sikeston police officer wounded was found dead in his cell Thursday afternoon at the Scott County Jail in Benton, Mo.

An autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death of Earnest L. Fenton of Fayette, Mo. Fenton was found unconcious in his cell at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, according to Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell. Fenton was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau where he was prounouced dead.

Fenton and his brother, Troy L. Fenton of Boonville, Mo., were arrested Oct. 10 on a variety of charges stemming from an armed robbery in Sikeston.