New London Man Strangled Cellmate To Death: State Police

NEW LONDON, CT — A New London man serving time in state prison has been charged with murder in the death of his cellmate, according to state police.

Kyle McKinnon, 31, is accused of strangling his cellmate, Kenne Montaner-Buscampbell, 25, to death Dec. 12. He then disposed of the victim's body in the cell-block common area before confessing to the murder, according to an arrest warrant.

MicKinnon said in an interview with police, "I strangled him and tried to kill him. That's all there is."

He said that it occurred to him that morning, sometime prior to getting breakfast. "I had thoughts in my head," McKinnon said, according to the arrest warrant. "I don't really know what the hell is going on."

McKinnon told investigators that he woke up in the top bunk, used the bathroom, washed his hands, then began to choke the victim who was sleeping on the bottom bunk.

"I feel bad enough as it is because honestly he was a good dude, but I can tell when somebody's lying," McKinnon told investigators, according to the arrest warrant.

McKinnon also said he told Department of Correction staff "multiple times" not to place him in a cell with anyone.

He was charged with murder and first-degree strangulation. His bond was set at $1 million.

McKinnon is serving time at MacDougal Walker Correction Institute in Suffield for fourth-degree sexual assault involving victims under 13, according to NBC CT.

He was also charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of a woman in New London in 2020.

See related: Attempted Murder Arrest Made In New London: PD