Jail inmate's death under investigation in Pemiscot County

The death of an inmate is being investigated at the Pemiscot County Justice Center. Sheriff Tommy Greenwell said inmate John Deloach, 30, of East Prairie, was found unresponsive at 11:51 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17. He was being held for New Madrid County authorities.

Greenwell said a warrant was issued for Deloach's arrest on a charge of domestic assault and a deputy arrested him around 8 p.m. that evening. Deloach was also considered a suspect in a second domestic violence case.

The Sheriff says Deloach was cooperative when he was booked at the New Madrid County Jail around 9 p.m. But while being transported to the Justice Center, Deloach became "combative" and a deputy called a Portageville officer for assistance. The officers re-secured Deloach, moving his arms from the front to the back, re-cuffing him. The Portageville officer also rode with the deputy to the Justice Center.

As Deloach was photographed for his mugshot, he had to be held up by the arm by a New Madrid County deputy as a Pemiscot County jailer, who could be seen in the photo, held his head up so the photo could be taken.

Deloach was reported as being uncooperative during the booking procedure, which was shortly before he was found unresponsive by jail staff.

Due to the inmate's death, the sheriff said an internal investigation is being conducted on whether policies and procedures were followed by jail personnel.

Deloach's death is also being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at Sheriff Greenwell's request.

His autopsy took place in Farmington, at 1 p.m. on Aug. 18. The sheriff said it showed no trauma and they are waiting for the toxicology report before cause of death can be determined. The death is not considered suspicious at this time.