Deaths in Custody
Died in jail or a lockup

Mielun Butler

18 years old · died July 3, 2026 · Hinds County Raymond Detention Center, Hinds County, Mississippi

Mielun Butler, 18, had just graduated high school, had worked at his job for a year, and held a carpenter's certificate along with welding and forklift skills, and his mother said he was headed to college. He was held at the Raymond Detention Center in Hinds County, Mississippi, where he was found unresponsive in his cell early on Friday, July 3, 2026, and was pronounced dead at Merit Health shortly after arrival. Sheriff Tyree Jones said he had been assaulted, and Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard's autopsy reported blunt force trauma to the head, while a video of an attack at the jail circulated online and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death as a homicide. Sheriff Jones has said the attack may be tied to gang activity, which remains under investigation, and an officer was placed on leave with pay pending an internal review. His mother, Janice Bradley, and her attorney, Dennis Sweet, say he was beaten to death and left without adequate supervision, and they have filed a notice of claim seeking answers.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). Sheriff Tyree Jones says other detainees assaulted him, and Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard's autopsy found blunt force trauma to the head; his mother and attorney say he was beaten to death and left without adequate supervision.

Reported by: Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones (the agency that held him); Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard (medical examiner or coroner); Janice Bradley and attorney Dennis Sweet (family or their lawyers).

News reports (15)

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Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.