Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps say a preliminary investigation by the sheriff’s department has determined no foul play was involved in the death of a 25-year-old inmate who was found in medical distress at the jail on January 15th.
The inmate, identified as Austin Witthaus of Centralia, was transported to Salem Township Hospital where he was later flown to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL where he later passed away. While waiting for the arrival of the ambulance at the county jail, correctional officers administered life-saving measures.
Cripps says in the interest of transparency he has requested the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 to take over the investigation.
Due to the on-going investigation, Cripps is not releasing any other details at the present time.
