Inmate Death Under Investigation at Madison County Jail Facility

MADISON COUNTY — On January 5, 2026, inmate Williams Fails, 44, of Huntsville, was transferred to the Medical Unit of the Madison County Jail after reporting to jail staff that he was not feeling well. Approximately 30 minutes after arriving in the Medical Unit, Fails became unresponsive. Medical staff immediately initiated life-saving measures. He was transported by HEMSI to Huntsville Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. An autopsy was conducted, and preliminary findings indicate Fails likely suffered a cardiac event.

The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and official autopsy results from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences are pending. Fails had been housed at the Madison County Jail since December 6, 2025. He was charged by the Huntsville Police Department with Murder.

No further information is available at this time.