The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is in the midst of probing the third inmate death within two months at the Campbell County Jail. According to a report provided by WATE, the latest individual who passed away has been identified as Mikaila Cherokee Perciful, a 26-year-old from Knoxville. The death occurred on Thursday morning, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause.
Previous deaths at the Campbell County Jail include those of Gary Wayne Burris, aged 47, and Faith Evans, aged 29, both of which were reported in April. Sheriff Wayne Barton, having termed the recent death a "tragic incident" in an interview with WVLT News, emphasized in a statement that the prior deaths were not caused by staff action, negligence, or overdose. Explained by staff, both deceased inmates suffered from preexisting medical conditions before their detention, though the investigation by the TBI remains open.
The county sheriff's office has not released further details on the circumstances surrounding Perciful's death. The TBI's involvement signals a continuation of examination into these repeating tragedies, with results from the autopsies of the prior deaths still pending. The ongoing investigations have caught public attention, raising concerns about the welfare of inmates.
As the local community searches for answers, Perciful's death adds to a trend that demands scrutiny. It was relayed by WBIR that at least two other deaths at the Campbell County Jail had been accounted for this year, with the TBI publicly committing to a thorough investigation. Looking through the eyes of grieving families and a concerned public, more information is awaited as the TBI continues to piece together these somber occurrences.