BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities in Blair County say more charges have been filed against an Altoona murder suspect after prison officials say a "homemade shank" was reportedly found inside his jail cell.
Police say officers were dispatched to the Blair County Prison late last week after the warden reported finding the weapon inside the cell of 52-year-old Raymond Oechsle Jr.
According to the affidavit, investigators say the weapon was reportedly made from two pieces of metal, which were held together by an inmate towel and an orange T-shirt.
Police initially charged Oechsle last April after authorities say he was found living with the body of his neighbor, Christopher Helsel, inside his apartment.
Authorities say Oechsle later told police that Helsel had been dead for approximately three days, prior to his arrest.
In October, more charges were filed against Oechsle after he allegedly attacked two fellow inmates, resulting in one of the victims to lose part of his vision.
During the investigation into the inmate assault, police say authorities discovered letters, written by Oechsle, detailing his "enjoyment" of stabbing others.
According to the latest online court records, Oechsle was arraigned Wednesday on charges of possessing an instrument of crime and inmate procuring a weapon.
He remains jailed in the Blair County Prison.
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