WGNO

Orleans Parish inmate dies in jail cell

Photo: WGNO. Inside of Orleans Parish Prison

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the death of an inmate Wednesday night, Feb. 22.

According to a written statement from an OPSO spokesperson, the inmate was found unresponsive by his cell mate a little before 8:00 pm.

The statement says medical and security workers responded quickly and provided treatment until EMS arrive.  The inmate was pronounced dead at 8:15.

The spokesperson says there was no sign of trauma or self-inflicted injury.

The inmate is identified as 23-year-old Colby Crawford.

The sheriff’s office says Crawford had been incarcerated since May of 2016 on charges of aggravated battery, domestic abuse with a dangerous weapon, third offense domestic  battery as well as violating his probation.  The sheriff’s office says a full investigation is underway.