Died in jail or a lockup
Lonnie Wayne Smith Jr.
Lonnie Wayne Smith Jr., 44, of Hurricane, was injured in a physical altercation with another person held at the West Virginia Regional Jail in Barboursville on May 11, 2025. He died of head trauma at Saint Mary's Medical Center on May 17. The West Virginia State Police, who are investigating, classify the death as a homicide, and the investigation is ongoing.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. State Police say he was injured in a physical altercation with another inmate at the West Virginia Regional Jail and died of head trauma at Saint Mary's Medical Center on May 17, 2025, and the investigation is ongoing.
Reported by: West Virginia State Police (outside investigators).