James Reed
James Reed, 54, was held at the Leon County Detention Facility in Tallahassee, Florida, while awaiting trial. He was found unresponsive in his cell on March 3, 2022, and staff identified the cause as a hanging, which Leon County court records describe as suicide. He was taken to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, where he was kept on a ventilator until his death on March 11, when the ventilator was removed with his mother's permission. His mother confirmed he had severe mental illnesses, and a family member said he had long been in and out of mental health facilities. The family has asked why a scheduled fitness hearing was postponed twice before his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide. Leon County court records list the death as suicide by hanging, which correctional officers identified; his family says he had a long history of mental health care and questions remain about why a scheduled fitness hearing was delayed twice.
Reported by: Leon County Detention Facility correctional officers (the agency that held him); Leon County court records (court).