STAFF REPORT :::
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate who died Saturday while being housed in the Spalding County Jail.
According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, 60-year-old Darrell Jones became ill during a routine medication call, and after unsuccessful attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead.
“As Jones was standing with the staff nurse awaiting his nightly medications, he suddenly grasped his chest, fell to the floor and became unresponsive. Medical staff and deputies began rendering aid and located a slight pulse,” the press release stated. “Jones was carried by staff to the Spalding Detention Center Medical facility where they were unable to locate any further vital signs. As a result, they began administering CPR. Paramedics from Spalding Regional EMS were notified and were on scene in less than five minutes. Units of Griffin Fire-Rescue also responded to the complex to assist. Jones was transported to Spalding Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead by the emergency room attending physician.”
Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster and his staff were notified of the death, and responded to both hospital and detention facility.
Foster arranged for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) crime lab to autopsy Jones.
Officials said because Jones’ death occurred while in custody, the housing unit where he was being held was placed on immediate lock down.
Dix has also contacted the GBI and requested the agency investigate the circumstances surrounding Jones’ death.
“As of now, the inmates that were close to the area where the incident occurred and detention staff that were present have been interviewed. The scene was also photographed and processed for any evidence. Autopsy arrangements have been made and hopefully will shed light on the cause of Jones’ sudden death,” Dix said. “The entire incident was captured on the video system located in the housing unit where Jones was being held and there are no indications that any type of violence occurred on the video prior to his death. The statements of the witnesses that were present concur with the video that was captured. That video has been turned over to the GBI as a part of their investigation. At this point all we can do is continue gathering facts and await the results of the autopsy and investigation.”
At the time of his death, Jones was being held in the Spalding County Jail on charges of violation of probation and violation of the Georgia Family Violence Act.
