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Mississippi inmate dies after apparent overdose

By Kaitlin Howell Sep 6, 2024 | 2:56 PM

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – An inmate died after an apparent overdose at a prison in Rankin County.

According to Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Commissioner Burl Cain, the incident occurred at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) just before 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 5.

MDOC officials said Juan Gonzalez died of an apparent substance overdose. Officials said due to the unknown nature of the substance, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) were notified.

Juan Gonzalez (Courtesy: MDOC)

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said first responders from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the facility as requested.

According to MDOC’s website, Gonzalez was convicted of fleeing from law enforcement, burglary and possession of methamphetamine in Hinds County. He was sentenced in January 2023.

The investigation is ongoing.