Jacob Lewis
Jacob Lewis, 28, of Sidney, was found not breathing in his cell at the Shelby County Jail around 5:30 a.m. on February 15, 2017, and was pronounced dead. His father, Steve Lewis, spoke in court about his son, saying, "To me, he was my son." The sheriff's office said it suspected a heroin overdose and was interviewing other people held at the jail while toxicology results were pending. An autopsy ruled that he died of multiple drug intoxication, according to a Montgomery County deputy coroner citing the Shelby County Coroner's Office, and a coroner's report listed several fentanyl-related substances in his system. Another person who shared his cell was later indicted in connection with the death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose. The Shelby County Coroner's Office autopsy ruled he died of multiple drug intoxication, after the sheriff had suspected a heroin overdose while toxicology was pending.
Reported by: Shelby County sheriff (the agency that held him); Shelby County Coroner's Office (autopsy, Dr. Mary Goolsby) (medical examiner or coroner).