Pennsylvania Corrections Officer Dies Following Attack by Inmate

A Pennsylvania Department of Corrections officer died Monday from injuries sustained in an attack by an inmate earlier this month.

Officials say that Sgt. Mark Baserman was fatally beaten by Paul Jawon Kendrick just before 7 p.m. on Feb. 15 at State Correctional Institute-Somerset, according to PennLive.com.

Baserman was hospitalized for 11 days before being pronounced dead on Monday.

"The minute we learned of this unprovoked, brutal attack on Sgt. Baserman and another officer who came to his aid our hearts sank," Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said in a statement. "We are greatly saddened by Sgt. Baserman's death and our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Charging documents cite that Kendrick suddenly lashed out and struck Baserman in the face 8 to 10 times during a confrontation. Baserman fell to the ground and Kendrick began kicking him in the head with his boots.

Officials said that Kendrick's motive for the attack was because Baserman had confiscated a towel earlier in the day that the inmate was using to block other's view of his bunk.

An officer who assisted Baserman during the attack was also injured and was released from the hospital shortly after the incident.

Kendrick was arraigned on six counts in connection the attack Monday, prior to the officer's death.

Funeral arrangements are pending.