Officials announce investigation into possible inmate suicide
JACKSON, La. (WAFB) - Authorities are investigating a possible inmate suicide after a man believed to be an escaped inmate was found dead in Jackson over the weekend.
According to the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, a West Feliciana Parish inmate, identified as Matthew D. Walker, 29, of Denham Springs, walked off while doing work release at Jett’s in Jackson on Monday, Sept. 19.
EFPSO reportedly tried to help find Walker after being notified by the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office about his escape.
Officials say Jackson Police Department found a body hanging in a tree on Sunday, Oct. 2, in the cemetery across from the civic center in Jackson, and they called EFPSO to investigate.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies believe the body is that of the escaped inmate, Walker, and his manner of death was suicide; however, the coroner, Dr. Ewell Dewitt Bickham III, will need to officially identify the body and determine the official cause and manner of death.
The investigation is ongoing.
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