An inmate convicted for the murder of a Hamilton man in 2000 died at Montana State Prison according to a news release.

Ronald James Ward Jr. was found in his cell in a high security housing unit. He was transported to a local hospital and died.

According to the news release, Ward’s death was “unexpected” and an autopsy will be performed by the state medical examiner.

Ward was serving a life sentence for the murder of Craig Sheldon Petrich of Hamilton in 2000.

DNA evidence later linked Ward, a drifter, to the murder of Kristin Laurite in Arkansas and two California slayings. All four victims died in a four-month span in 2000.

He was also serving sentences for assault on a peace officer, rioting and possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner.

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