TBI investigating second death of inmate in sheriff’s office custody about a month apart in TN
The first in-custody death is being investigated as a homicide from mid-April, and the second is believed to be from a medical emergency, according to the sheriff’s office.
DYERSBURG, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the in-custody death of a Dyersburg man after an apparent medical emergency, according to the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office.
DCSO reports that officers with the Dyersburg Police Department responded to North Tennyson in reference to a welfare check and took a man into custody on Tuesday.
Johnny Etheridge, 41, was charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest being taken to the Dyer County Law Enforcement Center.
The sheriff’s office reports that jail staff noticed Etheridge needed medical attention and officers contacted EMS to transport him to a local emergency room. Despite medical help, he died at the hospital.
County officials then requested the TBI investigate the incident. Etheridge’s body will be taken to the Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center for an autopsy.
It may take several months for a manner of death to be determined.
This incident comes about a month after the sheriff’s office reported another in-custody death involving Jaylien Kimble, 23, who was found unresponsive at the jail on April 16.
Authorities said that the case is being investigated as a homicide due to early findings that included a traumatic head injury.
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