An inmate at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center died Friday after a struggle with deputies left him unresponsive, Sheriff Joe Lopinto said. The man was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead around 5:40 p.m., according to officials. The sheriff's office has opened a use-of-force review, and the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office is conducting an autopsy to determine what exactly went wrong.
According to WWL‑TV, Lopinto said the inmate was arrested on Friday, March 20 and was ordered moved to the jail infirmary on Monday, March 23 for treatment. The sheriff told reporters the inmate allegedly charged at deputies, grabbed a Taser and fired it before deputies regained control. Deputies say he became unresponsive once he was handcuffed. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office has also opened a review into the deputies' use of force, the station reports.
Timeline of the altercation
Officials say the confrontation unfolded inside the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center after the inmate was moved to the medical unit. Deputies restrained him, then realized he was not breathing and rushed him to an area hospital. He remained under medical care there for several days. According to the sheriff's account, he died four days after being taken to the hospital.
Investigations and next steps
The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office has ordered a formal autopsy and toxicology tests as part of its inquiry into the death. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office is separately reviewing the deputies' use of force to determine whether criminal charges are warranted, WWL‑TV reports. Investigators are expected to examine medical records, any available video and statements from deputies and other witnesses as they piece together a full timeline.
Local context
In-custody deaths at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center have raised concerns before. Hoodline previously covered a jail suicide at the facility in April 2025, highlighting broader questions in the community about medical care and oversight inside the parish lockup.
Autopsy results typically take days to weeks to complete, and authorities say they will release findings when they are available. Anyone with information or footage related to the incident is asked to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) or the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office.
