UPDATE: The name of the inmate in the in-custody death being investigated at the Hamilton County Jail on Thursday, March 14th is Deward Burton Johnson. Mr. Johnson passed away at a local medical facility after experiencing a medical emergency in A holding cell while awaiting release. This incident remains under investigation and therefore no further details are available.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man who was set to be released after having spent 14 hours in custody.
According to a press release, on Thursday, at approximately 8:30 pm, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Corrections personnel were notified of an unconscious male inmate experiencing a medical emergency while in a holding cell waiting for the release process to be completed. At the time of the medical emergency, the inmate had been in HCSO custody for about 14 hours.
The inmate, whose name was not released by the department, had been brought in earlier that morning at approximately 6:30 a.m. by a bondsman for an active Burglary warrant.
When the medical emergency occurred, corrections deputies, along with contract medical personnel with QCHC immediately responded and began to render medical aid.
The inmate was transported to a local medical facility by HCEMS where he was later pronounced deceased.
At the direction of Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been directed to investigate the death.
