Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced the death of Roy Patten, an incarcerated individual receiving palliative care at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Roy Patten, 73, of Lebanon, New Hampshire, was lodged at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in 2014 and transferred to Southern State Correctional Facility soon after. On April 9, 2024, Mr. Patten was transported to Springfield Hospital Emergency Room after exhibiting signs of medical distress. He was transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for additional care and subsequently the Jack Byrne Center for palliative and hospice care. He passed away on April 22.
Mr. Patten’s death does not appear suspicious at this time. The Department notified the Defender General’s Prisoners’ Rights Office of the death per state law and protocol. The DOC Corrections Investigative Unit will review the fatality according to departmental policy. As per departmental policy and procedure, the Department attempts to notify next-of-kin and crime victims of a death in custody within 72 hours of the death.
Mr. Patten was in custody since 2014 on a sentence of 13 years to life for Aggravated Sexual Assault. His minimum release date was August 5, 2027. Mr. Patten also served multiple incarcerative sentences in New Hampshire for various criminal charges.
###