His on the record account, given to two reporters at The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, raises new questions about the circumstances of his death, now believed to be from natural causes. McDougal died a week ago Sunday, six years to the day after reporter Jeff Gerth broke the Whitewater story for The New York Times based on interviews with the late Little Rock banker. Two days later, prison officials acknowledged that McDougal died in solitary confinement, a punishment he incurred for failing to supply a urine sample for a prison drug test. That fact had been omitted from initial accounts of McDougal's death. Todd Craig, chief spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, was careful to note that the key Whitewater witness was checked at 30 minute intervals in his isolation cell.
Officials report that preliminary autopsy results indicate cardiac arrest as the cause of death.
The answer to that question could turn out to be significant. If what this key witness told The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette last November is true, then there are reasons to question the actions and motives of those who were charged with his care. His ruddy face beams. His voice conveys a warm welcome. He shakes hands with vigor.