Killer of 6-Year-Old in 2001 Found Dead in Cell

An autopsy was to be done today  to determine the cause of death of a former Big Island resident who was being held at an Oahu jail.

Mark Davis Jr., 25, was accused of the rape and murder of 6-year-old Kauilani Tadeo of Hawaiian Beaches in 2001. He was 14 at the time.

Davis, who later admitted his guilt, was acquitted of the charges by reason of mental illness.

Davis was being held at Oahu Community Correctional Center while awaiting trial on a charge of assaulting a mental health worker in 2011. The charge stems from an incident at the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, Oahu, where he had been sent following his 2005 trial.

Davis was alone in his cell when he was found dead at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday. There were no obvious signs of foul play or suicide, state prison officials said.