From The Tribune staff reports
SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Shelby County Jail inmate on Saturday, May 21, at approximately 9:45 p.m.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Kathy Burcham, 52, of Sterrett, was found by jail deputies “in obvious medical distress” while conducting regular cell checks in the medical unit in adherence to jail policy.
Burcham was being held at the Shelby County Jail for two outstanding warrants, both for Willful Abuse of a Child, following her arrest on Tuesday, May 17.
Jail deputies and medical staff immediately began providing emergency medical care. Southeast Shelby Rescue responded to assist, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office states the exact cause of death is unknown at this time; however, preliminary belief is that Burcham experienced a medical emergency.
Sheriff John Samaniego has requested the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an independent review of the incident. In addition, an internal audit of the incident will also be conducted.
The story will be updated when more information is available.
