On March 31, 2023, just before 4:00 a.m., 21-year-old Jonathan Thomas, an individual in custody at the Lincoln County Jail collapsed on the floor of his cell and was later pronounced deceased. Mr. Thomas was being housed by himself in a cell near the intake desk. When Mr. Thomas collapsed, the staff member assigned to the intake desk responded to his cell, noticed he was unresponsive and requested assistance. The corrections officers and ambulance personnel performed lifesaving measures and transported him to a hospital. Despite these efforts, Mr. Thomas was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Mr. Thomas was arrested on March 29, 2023, by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a traffic related offense. The Deputies took Mr. Thomas for medical evaluation after his arrest. He was cleared from the hospital and booked into the Lincoln County Jail.
Sheriff Rick Harrell extends his sympathies to his family and friends affected by his death. Sheriff Harrell and the Lincoln Coroner Dan Heavin met with the Thomas family this morning and will keep them updated on the investigation.
Sheriff Harrell has asked the Missouri State Highway Patrol to investigate the death of Mr. Thomas. The cause and manner of death are under investigation.
Media Contact: Captain Dave Hill
