Another Marion County Inmate Dies in Custody

Three inmates died in the Marion County Jail between 25 March and 14 August- roughly four and a half months.

Officials say this man, 30-year old Jeremiah L. Upmeyer, who faced somewhat minor charges, hung himself in the Marion County Jail.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Deputies say they found an inmate dead in his cell at the Marion County Jail Saturday evening. This is the third death in the facility in less than five months.

We reported a death in the Marion County Jail on 25 March 2010, and we have been investigating another recent death that happened under highly questionable circumstances in July.

So questionable in fact, that Salem-News.com had to bring the matter to the attention of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. As it turns out, family and friends of Robert Haws clearly stated that he had over $1500 when he was arrested, and that a thousand dollars was missing from his books. This story is being released in a separate article.

In the latest inmate death, deputies in Marion County report that they were conducting an hourly security check at about 6:00 p.m. when they discovered the inmate, identified as 30-year old Jeremiah L. Upmeyer. His last known address was in Monmouth, Oregon. Mr. Upmeyer's family was notified of his death by Chaplain Todd Pynch, Crisis Chaplaincy Service, Salem, Oregon. They report that there is no new information on the investigation into Mr. Upmeyer's death.

Mr. Upmeyer has been in custody at the jail since August 12th on felony fugitive warrants from the State of Colorado.

According to a press release issued by Don Thompson with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, "Pursuant to Sheriff's Office policy on in-custody deaths, Commander Sheila Lorance called upon the Linn County Sheriff's Office to conduct an investigation into the death."

Interestingly, Salem-News.com was informed by the Marion County Sheriff's Office in July, that the Linn County Sheriff was only called in as a favor to Marion County in the Haws case.

The Marion County Medical Examiner and District Attorney were also notified pursuant to our policy.

According to a press release issued Saturday, which only represents the jail's side of the issue, the initial investigation indicates that the subject hung himself.

"He was alone in his cell at the time of his death," according to the release.

Referenced articles:
Jul-20-2010: Assault by Inmate Results in Death - Salem-News.com
Mar-25-2010: Marion County Jail Inmate Discovered Dead in Cell - Salem-News.com