Four inmates died this week at Shelby County Jail. Police have launched an investigation into the deaths.
Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. announced the deaths of Darian Nolen, 33, who died on Thursday, and Darin Crawford, 57, who died on Friday at the Shelby County Jail. Since 2019, 58 inmates have died there.
Nolen was taken to a hospital around 6:45 p.m. Thursday after an “apparent mental status change” and died at 9:28 p.m., according to hospital staff. Crawford was found unresponsive at 5:30 a.m. Friday in his cell alone. He was transported to Methodist University Hospital, but died ten minutes after being found.
Nolen was booked September 17 for felony vandalism and assault. Crawford had been there since January 25, facing charges of assault on a first responder and aggravated assault.
Sheriff Bonner explained that the jail is very old, with maintenance issues and overcrowding leading to poor living conditions. This creates tension between inmates and staff.
Bonner stated that the causes of death are now under investigation, and he is working with the District Attorney’s Office. They will fire employees involved with drug-related deaths and prosecute them if possible.
Bonner noted that they have disciplined, but not always fired, staff. Those smuggling items face firing and legal action. Officers have been arrested for bringing contraband in. Bonner suspects drugs enter via lawyers, commissary, or employees, despite using scanners like airports for those entering to stop contraband.