A 29-year-old pre-trial detainee died after being found in medical distress at the Shelby County Penal Farm on Wednesday, according to the mayor’s office. The man, identified as Justin Hardaway, was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital–East, where he was later pronounced dead. Officials have released only limited details about what happened.
As reported by FOX13 Memphis, Hardaway had been incarcerated since Dec. 18, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday. The station says it is working to learn what charges he was being held on and why he was denied bail.
Mayor’s office: 'found in medical distress'
Hardaway was “found in medical distress,” the mayor’s office said, according to FOX13 Memphis. The office did not provide further details about how he was discovered, and no cause of death has been released.
What happens next
In-custody deaths are typically followed by a medical examiner review and internal inquiries by corrections officials; families and the public often press for transparency in such cases. Local reporters say they will monitor statements from the mayor’s office and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as additional information becomes available.
