Michael A. Jefferson
Michael Jefferson, 27, of Chicago, was held at Menard Correctional Center in Illinois and died on July 11, 2017. His mother, Janel Charles, said he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was otherwise healthy, and she is seeking answers and a proper burial for him. Sources report he was found unresponsive in his segregated cell and later died at a hospital, and the cause was listed as heat. When his body was returned to Chicago, the family said it showed bruises, cuts and swelling and believes he was killed. The Illinois Department of Corrections said the injuries were consistent with autopsy and decomposition, a preliminary autopsy by the Randolph County coroner found no signs of trauma, and a final autopsy report is pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed). The Illinois Department of Corrections reports natural causes and attributes the injuries to autopsy and decomposition, while his family believes he was killed, and the Randolph County coroner's preliminary autopsy found no signs of trauma; a final autopsy is pending.
Reported by: Illinois Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); Randolph County coroner (medical examiner or coroner); Michael Jefferson's family (family or their lawyers); news report citing heat.