In a shocking turn of events, 31-year-old Mark Forcum, who was accused of murdering his wife earlier this year, was found dead in his cell at the Washoe County Jail on Sunday. The tragic incident has been ruled as suicide.

Forcum faced severe charges, including murder, child abuse, and possession of controlled substances. He was due to appear in a Reno court on Tuesday; however, the hearing has been rescheduled to October 24.

Bail for Forcum had been initially set at $5 million after his first court appearance. The charges against him included open murder with a deadly weapon, child abuse with a deadly weapon, and failure to appear after a bail hearing.

Court documents revealed that the state had requested an increase in bail due to the nature of the case and Forcum’s criminal history. His bail was established at $5 million, bondable or 10% cash.

The arrest took place after the Regional Crime Suppression Unit apprehended Forcum during a traffic stop. The charges stemmed from the death of his wife, Ashley Forcum, who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head.

Forcum had a history with the law, having previously faced attempted murder charges in Elko. Despite agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges, he failed to appear at his sentencing hearing, marking a concerning pattern.

The tragic end to Forcum’s life while in custody has left authorities and the community grappling with the complexities of the case. The circumstances surrounding his death raise questions about the mental health and well-being of individuals facing serious criminal charges.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Secret Witness at 775-322-4900, providing an anonymous tip that may contribute to understanding the events leading to this unfortunate outcome.

Credits: 2News