By AP/KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Authorities are investigating the death of a convicted sex offender at a prison in southern Missouri as a possible murder.
The Department of Corrections says Pleasant Hurst, 48, died Saturday after a fight in the gymnasium of the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Mo. He was punched and suffered head injuries.
Hurst was serving a 52-year sentence from St. Charles County for child molestation, kidnapping and sexual misconduct. He also had previous convictions for sexual crimes.
The prosecutor in Texas County says he has a suspect but isn't identifying the person.
Department of Corrections investigators are to report their findings to the county prosecutor.