Died in jail or a lockup
David J. Bower
David J. Bower, 25, of Charleston, Illinois, died on February 28, 2013, while held at the Coles County Jail. Authorities said he hanged himself in his cell, and a report said an autopsy found he died by hanging. According to the report, other people held at the jail alerted staff to his condition, and officers then found him in his cell.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). Authorities said Bower hanged himself in his cell, and other inmates say they alerted staff to his condition before officers found him unresponsive.
Reported by: Coles County Jail (the agency that held him); autopsy; other inmates held at the jail.