2 recent inmate deaths under investigation at Tampa Bay jails, police say

Two current inmate deaths at Tampa Bay jails are beneath investigation, however police say each have been associated to medical points.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned a person died Tuesday whereas in custody on the Falkenburg Street Jail.

Deputies conducting a welfare test on Levitacus Cymande Riggins, 50, discovered him unresponsive in his cell, in keeping with a information launch. Deputies and medical employees tried lifesaving measures, however Riggins died.

Levitacus Cymande Riggins, 50, is seen in a booking photo taken at the Hillsborough County jail after his arrest on March 2. Riggins was found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday and died, deputies said. — Levitacus Cymande Riggins, 50, is seen in a reserving picture taken on the Hillsborough County jail after his arrest on March 2. Riggins was discovered unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday and died, deputies mentioned. [ Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office ]

The discharge mentioned Riggins “had a recognized medical historical past” and that investigators consider his loss of life is “medically associated.”

The sheriff’s workplace was ready for the medical expert to find out an official reason for loss of life.

Information present the Tampa Police Division arrested Riggins on March 2 on drug trafficking and possession costs. His final listed deal with was in Brandon.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Workplace additionally reported an inmate loss of life final week.

About 8:10 a.m. Thursday, Douglas Lewis, 56, was discovered unresponsive in his housing space, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned in a information launch Friday. Detention and medical employees carried out lifesaving measures, and Lewis was taken to a neighborhood hospital.

He was pronounced useless about 5:15 a.m. Friday, the information launch states.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating after Douglas Lewis, 56, died while he was in custody on Friday. Detectives say Lewis had a preexisting medical condition and was in the process of discussing hospice options with medical staff. — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Workplace is investigating after Douglas Lewis, 56, died whereas he was in custody on Friday. Detectives say Lewis had a preexisting medical situation and was within the technique of discussing hospice choices with medical employees. [ Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office ]

“Detectives say Lewis had a preexisting medical situation and was within the technique of discussing hospice choices with medical employees,” the information launch states. “At this level within the investigation, detectives have discovered no proof that Lewis was concerned in any bodily altercations or sustained any accidents whereas incarcerated on the jail.”

Lewis, who was experiencing homelessness, was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on April 19 on costs of offering a false title to regulation enforcement and failing to look on a petit theft cost.