Former inmate arrested in jail fentanyl death

Katariina Gibson, 27, suspected in the death of 44-year-old

An inmate died of a fentanyl overdose in the El Paso County jail and investigators have arrested a prior inmate as a suspect in the death. Katariina Gibson, 27, was arrested Friday for investigation of the Jan. 20 death of 44-year-old Renee Lowrance at the jail, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said in a Tuesday news release.

It’s the first time in the history of the sheriff’s office that a “previous incarcerated person” was arrested as a suspect and booked for investigation of a fatal drug felony and introduction of contraband, the release said.

“This is a warning to those who dare bring illegal contraband into my jail,” Sheriff Joseph Roybal stated in the release. “Those who bring drugs into the jail will be investigated and held accountable for their actions to the extent the law allows. This represents just one area of prioritized focus for reducing jail deaths.”

Gibson is being investigated for proximate cause of death by unlawful distribution, a class one felony, and second- degree introducing of contraband, a class six felony, the release said.

On Jan. 20, Lowrance was found “unresponsive” in her assigned cell. The El Paso County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death as fentanyl intoxication.

A Metro Narcotics unit and the sheriff’s office investigated the death “to identify the fentanyl supplier directly,” the release said. Metro Narcotics is comprised of members of the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Police Department, and Monument Police Department.

Gibson is being held on a $100,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.