Indiana State Police investigating the death of an inmate

NORTH VERNON – Thursday morning, May 26, 2022, detectives from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post were requested to investigate the death of an inmate that was housed at the Jennings County Jail in North Vernon, Indiana.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m., Corrections Officers with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office located a female inmate, Sandra I. Ray, 35, of North Vernon, unresponsive in her cell. 

Corrections Officers immediately began providing medical assistance and requested EMS respond to assist.  Emergency personnel were unable to revive Ray.  The Jennings County Coroner’s Office responded and soon pronounced her deceased.    

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office requested the Indiana State Police investigate the death.  The investigation by detectives with the Versailles Post indicated Ray was incarcerated on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated charge after being arrested on Tuesday, May 24.  During her incarceration, Ray was housed in a cell by herself and was the only person in her cell at the time of her death.

An autopsy was conducted Thursday morning in North Vernon.  The results of the autopsy, as well as toxicology results, are pending, however, no foul play is suspected at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.