An investigation is underway after an inmate died shortly after being transported from the Monroe County Detention Center to a Mississippi hospital, authorities said.
The inmate was identified as 66-year-old Spencer Eckford of Aberdeen. According to Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley, Eckford arrived at Monroe Regional Hospital Tuesday night without signs of life after being taken from the detention center.
Medical personnel pronounced Eckford dead at approximately 9:44 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21.
According to Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook, Eckford had been arrested earlier that evening by Aberdeen Police Department officers. He was facing charges of trespassing and public drunkenness.
Authorities said the situation escalated during the booking process at the Monroe County Detention Center. Sheriff Crook said Eckford became aggressive and made threats toward officers and jail staff.
A corrections officer then used a Taser on Eckford during the incident, according to the sheriff.
Officials said Eckford was initially responsive after being tased. However, his condition later changed, and detention center staff noticed that he was becoming less responsive.
Jail employees called for emergency medical assistance, and Eckford was transported by ambulance to Monroe Regional Hospital for treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Eckford was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Eckford’s death.
As required under Mississippi law, Eckford’s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Pearl for an autopsy because he died while in custody.
Investigators are expected to examine all aspects of the incident, including Eckford’s interaction with officers, the use of the Taser, his medical condition, and the events leading up to his death.
Authorities have not released additional details about Eckford’s medical history, the exact cause of death, or whether any officers or detention center employees will face further action.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and officials said more information will be released as it becomes available.
