Suspect in son's drowning found dead in his jail cell

WEST PLAINS, Mo. -- A Missouri man charged with drowning his 4-year-old son has died in jail.

Eric Chappelle, of West Plains, was found dead around 7 a.m. Thursday in his cell in Howell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating but foul play is not suspected.

Chappelle, 40, had been jailed since the drowning death of his son in April 2011. He was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses.

Police said Chappelle told officers he killed the boy and wanted to kill himself because he was facing allegations of child molestation.

Pertinent address: West Plains, Mo.