OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) - An investigation is underway after an inmate was found dead in his cell at the Lee County Detention Facility.
Sheriff Jay Jones said jail deputies found a 39-year-old man unresponsive during routine cell checks around 4:45 a.m. Saturday. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the inmate was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m., Jones said. His identity is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin.
According to Sheriff Jones, the inmate was booked into the jail Wednesday on multiple failure-to-appear warrants, which included charges related to domestic violence, misdemeanor drug possession, and traffic violations.
As per standard protocol, an external agency will lead the investigation. At the request of Sheriff Jones, investigators from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office have taken on primary responsibilities for the case.
Jones said initial observations revealed no signs of trauma on the inmate’s body, which will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. Once completed, the investigation findings will be submitted to the Lee County District Attorney for Grand Jury review.
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