UPDATE ON INMATE WHO DIED IN POLK COUNTY JAIL: LIVINGSTON, October 26, 2024 - The Polk County Sheriff's Office has issued a press release update on the inmate who died while in Polk County Jail:
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a male inmate unfortunately passed away of natural causes while in the Polk County Jail.
An Autopsy has been conducted and it has confirmed that the inmate’s death was the result of natural causes. The inmate did not inform jail staff that he had any health conditions and we are unaware if the inmate himself knew of any health conditions when he was booked into the jail.
Next of kin have been located and notified. The inmate is identified as 60 year old James Willard, of Cold Springs. Mr. Willard had been incarcerated in the Polk County Jail since September 7, 2024.
Further investigation is still being carried out by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division.
No further information is being provided at this time.
END OF PRESS RELEASE
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW
Inmate Passes Away While in Polk County Jail, LIVINGSTON, October 22, 2024 - On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a male inmate unfortunately passed away of natural causes while in the Polk County Jail.
An Autopsy has been conducted and it has confirmed that the inmate’s death was the result of natural causes. The inmate did not inform jail staff that he had any health conditions and we are unaware if the inmate himself knew of any health conditions when he was booked into the jail.
At this time, we are unable to provide any further details, while we continue efforts to locate the inmate’s next of kin. The Texas Rangers were immediately notified and have begun their investigation, as is required by Texas law whenever an inmate dies in a jail, regardless of the reason or cause of death.
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