James Francis Devitt
James Francis Devitt, 33, of Phenix City, died in his cell at the Russell County Jail on Thursday, August 16, 2018. Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. listed possible hanging from a bed sheet, and the body was sent for autopsy. Devitt left handwritten notes for his family and a friend held at the jail, and the sheriff said the family would receive copies. The sheriff said no foul play is suspected, while the coroner's office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are investigating the manner of death, which remains pending. An inmate found him around 9 p.m., and the sources say staff could not reach him in time.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide. The Russell County Sheriff said Devitt took his own life in his cell, and the coroner listed possible hanging pending autopsy.
Reported by: Russell County Sheriff (the agency that held him); Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. (medical examiner or coroner).