Autopsy: Inmate died of delirium due to drugs
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (AP) – An autopsy on a Washington County inmate who died in April while in custody shows that the cause of death was “excited delirium” due to drug use.
Stewart Peppers was pronounced dead at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital after he was found unresponsive in the Washington County Detention Center. Officials have said Peppers became unresponsive when officers tried to restrain him after he showed signs of combative, destructive and bizarre behavior.
The 22-year-old Peppers had been held in jail on multiple charges that included: aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug possession and felony vandalism.
Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal issued a statement saying that his officers acted appropriately when confronted with a violent inmate. Peppers’ family has filed a $21 million lawsuit against the sheriff and the county.
