Sheriff shares more details about death of inmate in Monroe County

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) — An inmate died Tuesday night in Monroe County.

Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley identified the individual as Spencer Eckford, 66, of Aberdeen.

Authorities transported him from the county jail to the hospital, both in Aberdeen.

Hospital staff said Eckford showed no signs of life when he arrived, and a doctor pronounced him dead at 9:44, the coroner added.

Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook said Aberdeen police arrested Eckford on Tuesday evening on trespassing and public drunk charges.

The sheriff said Eckford grew aggressive and threatening during the booking process at the jail, and a corrections officer used a stun gun on the 66-year-old.

Crook described Eckford’s condition as responsive following the incident, but his condition worsened, and jailers called for medical help.

His body awaits an autopsy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the case.