Deaths in Custody
Died in jail or a lockup

Arthur Paul Morse

23 years old · died January 25, 2026 · Blount County Correctional Facility, Blount County, Alabama

Arthur Paul Morse was 23, and his father has described him as a young man full of life, with an infectious smile who loved to make others laugh. He was held at the Blount County Detention Center in Oneonta, Alabama, in January 2026, and his family and prosecutors say he developed a serious medical emergency there while suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. He was taken to UAB Hospital and died there on Feb. 6, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Prosecutors allege that two former corrections officers repeatedly shocked him with a Taser while he could not stand.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). Court documents and prosecutors allege two former jail officers repeatedly shocked him with a Taser while he was unable to stand from diabetic ketoacidosis, and his family says he did not look like himself in his final moments, while officers and their lawyers have not been reported as admitting the force; prosecutors also allege officers disregarded his medical need for four days and forced him to mop before the tasing.

Reported by: Blount County grand jury and court documents (indictment) (court); Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (outside investigators); Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey and state prosecutors (family or their lawyers); Morse's family (family or their lawyers).

News reports (12)

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Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.