Sarasota inmate likely took his own life, cops say. He was facing 25 years for child porn

The death of a Sarasota inmate on Wednesday continues to be investigated, but the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reports it was a likely a suicide.

Deputies say Kelbi Burson, 39 was convicted on 40 counts of possessing child pornography, six counts of using a computer to solicit a child to commit sex acts, two counts of transmission of lewd or lascivious exhibition to a child and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct.

Burson was sentenced on Wednesday to 25 years in prison.

Deputies responded to Burson’s cell around 3 p.m. that same day after his sentencing hearing “to a possible suicide attempt.”

According to the sheriff’s office, staff, deputies and inmates attempted to save Burson’s life, “but were unsuccessful.”

Paramedics arrived and pronounced Burson dead at 3:24 p.m.

Deputies say given the length of Burson’s sentence, he was first taken from the courthouse to be evaluated by medical personnel and he was medically cleared to return to his cell.

Detectives investigating the case have found no indications of foul play and say Burson “committed suicide by asphyxiation.”

An official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office before the case can be closed.