ST. LOUIS – St. Louis police are investigating a detainee death at the City Justice Center.
According to Mitch McCoy, a spokesman for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Justice Center notified police of an in-custody death around 11:35 p.m. on Saturday.
Police learned that a fight between two detainees began around 8:20 p.m.
Police allege that one of those, identified as Samuel Hayes Jr., did not listen to jail staff after the confrontation and was placed in a restraint chair.
Hayes was later found unresponsive around 10 p.m. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hayes was 31.
Division of Corrections Commissioner Doug Burris issued a statement on the matter, saying in part, “The Division of Corrections recognizes that any death in custody is a profoundly serious matter and extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. The safety and well-being of individuals in our care is a fundamental responsibility, and incidents of this nature are treated with the highest level of scrutiny. The Division is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”
The St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine an official cause of death.
The SLMPD’s Force Investigations Unit, which investigates all in-custody deaths and use of deadly force incidents involving police, is also conducting a comprehensive inquiry and will prepare a full report.
Mayor Cara Spencer was notified of the detainee death on Sunday. She released a statement offering condolences to Hayes’ “family and loved ones” and promises transparency and accountability in the investigation.
“I have been clear about my commitment to ensuring the safety of those in our care at the jail, and reforming the jail is one of my top priorities,” the mayor said. “We will continue to support and await the SLMPD’s thorough investigation and final report.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
