Jail has fourth inmate death of 2021
An in mate accused of a random stabbing last year died Wednesday at the overcrowded Oklahoma County jail.
Parker James Stephens, 22, of Oklahoma City, was discovered unresponsive in his cell by jail staff about 9: 20 a.m. Wednesday, according to a news release .“The detainee was pronounced dead by the Oklahoma City Fire Department at the scene.”
The jail now has had four inmate deaths in 2021. Overall, eight inmates have died since a trust took over operation of the jail from the sheriff's office July 1.
The latest death is being investigated as a possible suicide, the jail administrator, Greg Williams, confirmed.
“No foul play is suspected,” Stephen she told The
Oklahoman. Stephens was found in bed with a bedsheet around his neck, The Oklahoman was told.
He was charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon Feb .27. He was accused in the charge of stabbing another man multiple times at his apartment complex without provocation.
Police said Stephens and the victim did not know each other. The victim was in his car when Stephens opened the door and began stabbing, according to a police report.
He also was charged with manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance after police found ingredients to make methamphetamine in a search of his apartment for the knife.
He underwent a mental health evaluation last month. The state forensic psychologist told a judge Stephens had been diagnosed by the mental health staff at the jail with an anxiety disorder and had been prescribed an antipsychotic and an antidepressant.
Stephens told the psychologist he had attempted suicide four times before his arrest, including by drinking brake fluid, according to a report. He had been on suicide watch at the jail last July.
“He should be closely monitored by detention center personnel,” psychologist Scott
Orth wrote in the report.
The death came days after the administrator sent a report to the trust on reforms made to reduce the effects of overcrowding. The jail Wednesday held 1,721 inmates.
“While there's much work left tobe done, our achievements are measurable ,” Williams wrote.
“As we continue our efforts in the next 6 months, we are prioritizing the resolution of legacy issues which will help prevent future escapes, deaths, and allow us to best serve those placed in our custody, while maintaining safety in Oklahoma County. We are pushing to receive funding to upgrade our doors and locks, continuing our robust staffing efforts, and continuing to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us.”