by Investigation Launched into Inmate’s Death at Jefferson County Jail
The death of a Pine Bluff man, Jackie McCoy, at the Jefferson County jail has sparked multiple investigations into allegations of foul play. McCoy, who was an inmate at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center, died on January 2 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Local activist Mark Cannon, known as “Voice Fore Justice” on social media, claimed that McCoy was beaten to death while behind bars. However, Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. has disputed these claims and has declined to release complete details surrounding McCoy’s death, citing an ongoing investigation.
In a live video on Facebook, Cannon presented photos of McCoy being intubated. McCoy’s daughter, Danielle Jackson, confirmed the activist’s claims of “internal decapitation,” a broken eye socket, broken nose, burns on his legs, and fluid buildup. Jackson stated that these injuries were documented in a medical report she received.
Sheriff Woods released a statement denying any allegations of misconduct by jail staff and stated that the state medical examiner’s autopsy refutes the claims made on social media. However, the final autopsy report may take several months to be released, according to Jefferson County Coroner Chad Kelley.
According to Sheriff Woods, McCoy was admitted to the jail on July 16, 2022, after being accused of aggravated robbery. He failed to post a $10,000 bond for his release. An arrest/disposition report from the sheriff’s office described McCoy as 5-feet-6 and 190 pounds. The report detailed an incident where McCoy allegedly waved a knife at an individual and then fled from officers.
The sheriff’s office has released a video showing McCoy falling to the floor in his cell. Sheriff Woods claims that the video demonstrates McCoy’s fragile state at the time of the fall. McCoy was sent back to the hospital on December 28, and he passed away five days later.
Sheriff Woods stated that McCoy’s health had deteriorated during his time at the jail and that jail staff recognized a change in his behavior. McCoy was placed on life support before his death.
The family’s lawyer, Little Rock attorney Rickey Hicks, has expressed his belief that McCoy was violently assaulted while at the Jefferson County Detention Center. Hicks plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against Jefferson County.
The investigations into McCoy’s death continue, and Sheriff Woods has vowed to take legal action against individuals spreading false information. The sheriff emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in all actions related to the jail.
