HCSO Investigates Death of Inmate at Hamilton County Jail

On Thursday, an inmate at the Hamilton County Jail was found dead in his cell, leading the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to launch an investigation. The inmate, identified as William Griffin, was discovered hanging in his cell late in the evening around 11 p.m.

Corrections deputies stationed at the Echo Unit of the facility raised the alarm about a possible hanging, and swiftly, medical staff, jail supervision, personnel from the Chattanooga Fire Department, and HCEMS personnel sprang into action. Their efforts, however, could not save Griffin, and he was pronounced dead on the scene by HCEMS staff.

Cell Checks Compliance with Standards

The required protocol for checking cells in the Hamilton County Jail involves conducting checks every hour. This policy is as per the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) standards, and officials confirm that Griffin’s cell had been checked within this stipulated timeframe. This statement came amid speculation about the inmate’s supervision preceding his death.

Family notifications have been completed in accordance with standard protocol. At the time of his demise, Griffin had been in the Hamilton County Jail since July 1, 2024, after he was booked on charges that included the possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia, a controlled substance, and driving on a revoked and suspended license.

An Ongoing Investigation

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services have been tasked by the County’s District Attorney, Coty Wamp, to conduct an extensive inquiry into Griffin’s death. The findings of the investigation will be forwarded to Wamp’s office for review. Officials have underscored the importance of the investigation, assuring the public that every facet of the incident will be unfolded in due course.

Rising Concerns

The disturbing incident of Griffin’s in-custody death brings the total number of in-custody deaths at the Hamilton County Jail to three so far this year, including this case. The preceding two were due to overdoses. Last year, there were two in-custody deaths, one from an overdose, and another was a case of inmate suicide.

These rising figures are a cause for concern and raise questions about the measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates while serving their sentences. Consequently, the local community and stakeholders will continue to keep a keen eye on the investigation and its findings, in hopes that they might lead to necessary reforms at the facility.