PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) -- A 93-year-old man held at the Tazewell County Jail died last month and was found to have the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, according to the county's top lawman.

Sheriff Jeff Lower said in a news release James Pate, who was being held for allegedly killing his wife, died on Sept. 30 and was found to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease.

the Sept. 30 death of James Pate, who was being held for murder in connection with his wife's death, was due to exposure to legionella bacteria.

As such, Lower said, he is working with the State's Attorney's Office to see what inmates who are being held on non-violent misdemeanors could be released to reduce the jail's population, which is currently at 120 inmates.

“The health and safety of both our inmates and our st

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