Lee County man killed in attack by another inmate at state prison

A 79-year-old Lee County man was killed by another inmate last week at a Florida prison, officials said.

Nelson Sanderson was pronounced dead Aug. 17 following an attack at the Century Correctional Institute in Escambia County, the Pensacola News Journal reported. He was serving two life sentences for sex offenses involving a juvenile, according to Florida Department of Corrections records.

Officials declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the attack or to name the attacker.

The homicide investigation is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General.

Sanderson was arrested in Nicaragua after nearly four years on the run. He fled the country after a warrant was issued in Lee County for his arrest on charges he molested two children under the age of 12.