DES MOINES – Joshua Ray Puffinbarger, an inmate assigned to the Anamosa State Penitentiary, died Wednesday April 17, 2013. Puffinbarger was discovered unresponsive in his cell bed at 8:55 A.M. by security staff during a routine count and unit cell check. An emergency code was announced and medical staff responded immediately. At 9:01 A.M. the on duty physician pronounced Puffinbarger deceased.
An autopsy has been ordered, however it is expected that the findings will conclude a natural death. A review by institutional authorities has not discovered any evidence that would indicate foul play.
Puffinbarger was 59 years old and serving a ten year sentence from Johnson County for Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree. This sentence began on May 8, 2006.