DANBURY, Conn. (AP) The case against a Connecticut man charged with first-degree manslaughter in the stabbing death of his girlfriend has been dismissed after the defendant was found dead in his jail cell.

Officials say 34-year-old David MacDowell, of Bethel, was found ``suspended from a ligature'' in his cell on Sept. 5 at the Bridgeport Correctional Center. Staff at the facility unsuccessfully attempted to revive MacDowell.

The Danbury News-Times reports that the case was dismissed on Tuesday during a Superior Court hearing. A judge denied a motion to unseal court documents that would reveal the victim's identity.

The state Department of Correction Security Division and Connecticut State police are investigating MacDowell's death.