An inmate who was jailed at the Moore County Detention Center awaiting trial for first-degree murder and arson was found dead in his cell Tuesday.

Authorities found Edward Dale Ager, III, of Vass, unresponsive in the early morning hours, according to a Moore County Sheriff’s Office news release.

“Emergency medical aid was immediately administered to no avail,” said the release.

Southern Pines Police arrested Agar in 2015 on two counts of first degree murder and first degree arson in connection with a house fire on W. Lowe Avenue. Lindsay Farwell, 31, of West End and William Sloan, 72, were found deceased inside the burned home.

“Sheriff Fields has notified the State Bureau of Investigation and requested that an independent inquiry be completed,” said the release.  “Since this is an active investigation, no further information is available at this time.”

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