U.S. attorney for Manhattan Preet Bharara to join probe of inmate's death at Fishkill Correctional Facility

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara announced Thursday that he would work with local prosecutors in Dutchess County to investigate the controversial April death of inmate Samuel Harrell at Fishkill Correctional Facility.

Harrell, 30, died following an altercation with guards, and his death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, according to his family and widespread news reports. In the wake of the death, the Correctional Association of New York, a reform group, has expressed lack of confidence in local prosecutors and urged federal involvement.

Bharara, who has previously weighed in with prosecutions and reform efforts to stem violence at the Rikers Island jail in New York City, said in a statement that his office was "in communication" with Dutchess County District Attorney William Grady and would "be coordinating and working with" his office to investigate Harrell's death.