Child sexual assault convict killed by fellow inmate

A Virginia businessman serving a 26-year sentence for sex crimes involving children was allegedly killed by another inmate in a Lawrenceville prison.

63-year-old Mark A. Grethen was found dead in his cell just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday night.

The man suspected of killing him is serving a 22-year sentence for crimes including robbery, malicious wounding, and assault by an inmate or probationer on an employee.  His name was not immediately released.

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Grethen was convicted in 2001 for crimes including forcible sodomy and aggravated sexual battery.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Lawrenceville Correctional Center is Virginia’s only privatized prison and is operated by The GEO Group, Inc.

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