An inmate serving a life sentence for attempted murder died Thursday evening in the William Donaldson Correctional Facility.
James Charles Bishop, 69, was found unresponsive in the prison infirmary where he was being treated for multiple significant health issues, Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates said.
Yates said there is no evidence of trauma or foul play.
The body will undergo a postpartum examination to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
According to court documents, Bishop was sentenced to life without parole as a habitual felony offender in April 1982.
Bishop’s victim was a manager at Ross Neely Express in April 1981. After noticing gasoline was being stolen, he and his wife sat in a truck and waited to see who was taking the gas. Three men emerged, and when confronted, they ran in separate directions.
While the other two subjects fled, Bishop fired shots, leading to a shootout with the manager. No one was struck by a bullet, but the manager suffered cuts and bruises to his eye and face due to shattered glass.
Bishop appealed the sentencing but was denied multiple times.
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