Thursday, October 22, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON – State police are investigating the death of John Free, an Ogdensburg man and former Ivy Ridge employee, who was facing murder charges.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies …
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BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This WeekCANTON – State police are investigating the death of John Free, an Ogdensburg man and former Ivy Ridge employee, who was facing murder charges.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies say they responded to an emergency at the St. Lawrence County Jail involving John E. Free, who was found dead in his cell Friday afternoon.
Free was being held at St. Lawrence County Jail awaiting trial for murder and other charges.
Because Free was incarcerated, the incident will likely be handled by the State Attorney General’s Office not the district attorney.
Deputies say more information will be made available following an autopsy which is scheduled for Monday.
John Free, 51, was also recently indicted on second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, and third-degree grand larceny.
County court documents report that between April 5 and April 12 Free caused the death of John Barr, 58, of Rensselaer Falls. Barr was found dead on May 16 and is alleged to have been struck in the head with blunt objects by Free.
The grand larceny indictment stems from Free stealing property in excess of $3,000.
Free is a former Ivy Ridge employee and before the body was discovered, he was interviewed about his time and actions as an employee at Ivy Ridge.
