Ray
NORTH VERNON — Indiana State Police are investigating the death of a 35-year-old woman who died behind bars in the Jennings County Jail.
According to information from the ISP-Versailles Post, Sandra I. Ray of North Vernon died at the jail. Shortly after 7:30 a.m. Thursday, corrections officers with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office located Ray unresponsive in her cell. Corrections officers immediately began providing medical assistance and requested EMS, but emergency personnel were unable to revive her. The Jennings County Coroner’s Office responded and pronounced her dead.
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office requested the Indiana State Police investigate the death. The investigation by detectives with the Versailles Post indicated Ray was incarcerated on an operating while intoxicated charge after being arrested Tuesday evening.
During her incarceration, Ray was housed in a cell by herself and was the only person in her cell at the time of her death, according to state police.
An autopsy was conducted in North Vernon, state police said. The results of the autopsy, as well as toxicology results, are pending. Jennings County Coroner Alden Rudicel said Friday a cause of death had not been determined and no further information could be released.
ISP said no foul play is suspected at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Ray’s family has been notified.
According to the Jennings County Jail, Ray was arrested by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and was booked into the jail at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday on a Level 6 felony charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction. She had been held on $1,055 bond.
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office refused to provide a copy of Ray’s arrest report despite multiple requests by The Republic on Friday.
ISP is being assisted in the investigation by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, North Vernon Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Jennings County EMS, North Vernon Fire Department, and the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.
