Whiting police are under outside review after a 31-year-old man suffered a medical emergency while being held in the city’s police jail and later died at an East Chicago emergency room, officials said. The Lake County coroner identified the man as Cordero M. Hill and ordered an autopsy. The Whiting Police Department has asked the Lake County Sheriff's Department to conduct an independent investigation into the in-custody death. Authorities have not released details about why Hill was in custody or what led up to the medical emergency while detectives continue their work.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the Lake County Coroner's Office said Hill was pronounced dead at the Powers Health East Chicago emergency room on Sunday. The outlet reported that Hill was in custody at the Whiting Police Department jail when the medical emergency occurred.
Investigation Launched
The Whiting Police Department requested that the Lake County Sheriff's Department take the lead on an independent probe and said outside investigators were brought in immediately. In a statement reported by Region News Source, Whiting Police Chief John Sotello said, "We are committed to a fully transparent and rigorous investigation," as detectives work with the coroner to establish an exact timeline.
What Happens Next
The Lake County Coroner's Office told ABC7 Chicago that the cause and manner of Hill's death are pending autopsy and toxicology results. Officials said they plan to release more information when the coroner's findings and investigators' timelines allow.
Authorities' Statement
The Lake County Sheriff's Department emphasized that the investigation remains active and that no additional information will be released at this time, Region News Source reported. For now, there have been no announcements of charges or administrative actions related to the incident.
