A coroner's inquest has ruled a homicide occurred in the death of a resident of a state-run southern Illinois home for adults with developmental disabilities.

A Marion County jury made the determination Thursday night after hearing testimony that 46-year-old Todd Clementz was being given a shower as punishment at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia when he began choking and later died at a hospital.

The matter has been referred to prosecutors.

An Illinois Department of Human Services spokeswoman says two employees were placed on administrative leave shortly after the death and one has since been fired. She says the agency will take further personnel actions as necessary.

Murray Parents Association President Rita Winkler says court proceedings may be needed to determine what happened to Clementz.

David McNew, Getty Images
David McNew, Getty Images
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