By The Seymour Tribune
SEYMOUR — The death of an inmate in the care of the Jackson County Jail this summer did not occur because of any crimes committed by inmates or employees at the jail, investigators said Friday.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jeff Chalfant issued that finding from the investigation into the death of Ta’Neasha Chappell late Friday afternoon.
The 23-year-old Louisville, Kentucky, woman died July 16 at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where she had been taken after becoming ill the day before while housed at the jail in Brownstown.
Chalfant said the results of the autopsy showed the manner of Chappell’s death is undetermined. He said the manners of death can be determined as natural, homicide, suicide, accidental or undetermined.
Chalfant said the autopsy was clear Chappell did not die of any inflicted injury, such as puncture wounds, asphyxiation or blunt-force trauma.
The investigation did determine Chappell had old gunshot wounds, but those predated her being jailed in Jackson County.
Chappell’s death was investigated by the Indiana State Police at the request of Sheriff Rick Meyer.
On Friday night, Meyer released a statement in reference to the release of the investigation report.
“We appreciate the patience of the public while the investigation into the death of Ms. Chappell was ongoing,” he said. “We have to this point declined to comment to avoid any interference with the work of the Indiana State Police. The sheriff’s department cooperated fully with the Indiana State Police and the prosecutor’s investigation.”
Meyer said the results of the investigation found Chappell was not denied medical care and that efforts were made by jail personnel to address her claimed medical needs. It also was determined no sheriff’s department personnel were involved in the intentional, knowing or reckless mistreatment of Chappell.
“We thank the state police for their work and the public for their patience as the investigation was completed,” Meyer said. “We extend our sympathies to Ms. Chappell’s family.”
For the complete story, see Sunday’s Republic.
