PINE BLUFF — The death of an inmate at the Jefferson County jail earlier this year has been ruled an accidental overdose by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, the county sheriff’s office said.
According to officials, 31-year-old Cawaske Jenkins, who had been booked into the facility on Feb. 16, was pronounced dead on Feb. 19 after suffering what initially appeared to be a medical emergency.
Jail staff responded after being notified Jenkins was experiencing medical issues. Deputies began lifesaving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, while emergency medical services were called. First responders continued advanced medical efforts upon arrival, but Jenkins was pronounced dead at the jail.
Authorities said there were no immediate signs of foul play at the time of his death. Jenkins’ body was sent to the crime laboratory for an autopsy.
On April 30, the sheriff’s office received the final report from the crime lab, which determined the cause of death to be methamphetamine toxicity, also referred to as an overdose. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
