Inmate Death Investigation Underway After Woman Suffers Medical Emergency At Tuscaloosa County Jail

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Authorities are investigating the death of a 29-year-old woman who suffered a medical emergency at the Tuscaloosa County Jail late Tuesday night.

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Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Marty Sellers told local media that VCU investigators responded to the jail around 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, for a death investigation.

Sellers said the woman was being treated for a medical issue when she became unresponsive.

He then said staff immediately began providing aid before the woman was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

She did not survive.

Authorities identified the woman to Patch as Ja'keisa Knox, who was charged in July with felony child abuse after her 9-month-old son was found dead.

Patch previously reported when investigators said the infant was extremely underweight and showed signs of malnourishment.

At the time, Knox told investigators she was the child's sole custodian and had left the infant home alone around 8 a.m. while she went to work. Knox then told police she returned home around 4 p.m. and found the child dead.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, authorities then charged Knox with felony child abuse.

Sellers said no further information was available as of Wednesday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information as it becomes available.