Inmate Found Dead at Orleans Parish Justice Center

NEW ORLEANS — An inmate at the Orleans Parish Justice Center was found dead Monday morning, prompting an active investigation by local authorities.

According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), jail employees discovered the inmate unresponsive in a cell at approximately 6:30 a.m. while conducting routine rounds in the Second Floor Housing Unit E.

Staff immediately began life-saving efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived. Despite those efforts, the inmate was pronounced dead.

The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has been notified and is investigating the cause of death. Officials said investigators are also working to retrace the inmate’s final hours inside the facility.

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In a statement, OPSO said its Investigative Services Bureau is working alongside Orleans Justice Center supervisors to determine all factors that may have contributed to the inmate’s death. The agency is also cooperating with detectives from the New Orleans Police Department, which was notified in accordance with standard procedures for in-custody deaths.

“This matter remains under active investigation,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We are working through standard protocols to notify the next of kin. No further details about the identity of the deceased will be released at this time. We will provide updates as appropriate.”

No additional information has been released as the investigation continues.