Death Investigation In Polk County -03/07/20
On March 6th, 2020 a 35 year old male inmate lodged at the Polk County Jail was found unresponsive in his cell, from an apparent suicide. Deputies responded and began CPR while medics were called. Medics arrived and continued life saving measures, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful and the inmate was pronounced deceased at the location he was being housed.
The area was secured and an investigation initiated. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was asked to come and conduct the death investigation due to it being an in-custody death and for transparency. The Polk County District Attorney and medical examiner were also called into the jail.
“This is a tragic event and it marks the first death we have had inside the jail. I asked for an outside agency to come and conduct the investigation to determine the facts about how this happened, to see if this type of situation could have been avoided and to determine if established policy and procedure was followed. A future press release will be released once the findings from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office independent investigation is complete,” said Sheriff Mark Garton.
Questions regarding the investigation can be directed to Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Steve Frambes; 541-967-3950.