HUNTSVILLE– Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner announced today that the Sheriff’s Office is investigating the in-custody death of an inmate at the Madison County Detention Facility.
Inmate Demetrius Lemonte Stewart, 52, was booked into the detention facility shortly after midnight this morning following his arrest by the Huntsville Police Department on a Probation Violation warrant. At approximately 3:00 a.m., detention officers conducted routine rounds in the housing area of the facility.
Stewart was last observed during the facility’s morning count at approximately 7:30 a.m. and was found unresponsive during meal service about an hour later. Detention officers and on-site medical staff immediately administered CPR and other life-saving measures. HEMSI personnel arrived and continued emergency efforts, but Stewart was pronounced deceased after no vital signs could be detected. According to the detention facility’s medical staff, it is believed Stewart suffered a heart attack.
Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives and CSI responded to the jail facility as part of the standard investigative protocol. Mr. Stewart’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. At this time, there are no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances related to Stewart’s death.
Sheriff Kevin Turner stated, “We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Stewart and send our sincere condolences to his family. Anytime a death occurs in our custody, it is felt deeply by our staff, medical personnel, and the first responders who work tirelessly in these situations. Our thoughts are with all who are affected by this loss”
The investigation is ongoing. Any further details will be released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Office. No additional information is available at this time.
Media Release/Brent Patterson/ PIO Madison County Sheriff’s Office
