A detainee at the St. Louis City Justice Center died this weekend, the 20th known death at the jail since 2020.
Samuel Hayes Jr. was pronounced dead Saturday evening. Police said his death followed an altercation with another person inside a cell. Officials said Hayes did not respond to verbal commands and was placed in a restraint chair. He was found unresponsive later that evening and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, they said. Hayes was 31.
City Justice Center staff notified the police department's Force Investigation Unit of Hayes’ death later that evening, and that unit will investigate the death, interim Corrections Commissioner Doug Burris said in a statement.
“The Division of Corrections recognizes that any death in custody is a profoundly serious matter and extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” Burris said. “The safety and well-being of individuals in our care is a fundamental responsibility, and incidents of this nature are treated with the highest level of scrutiny.”
Mayor Cara Spencer issued a statement about Hayes’ death.
“While the facts are being gathered, my office is committed to ensuring accountability and a full review of the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Spencer said. “I have been clear about my commitment to ensuring the safety of those in our care at the jail, and reforming the jail is one of my top priorities. We will continue to support and await the SLMPD's thorough investigation and final report."
Hayes is the second detainee to die at the city jail this year.
