Two Hinds County detainees have died in Tallahatchie Detention Center custody in recent days in what could be drug-related deaths, according to Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones.
The deaths of Christian Dyer and Ulysses Nelson don’t appear to be foul play, said Jones, meaning suicide or homicide. He referred to the deaths as “suspicious” nonetheless, adding that there were reports of contraband and possibly illegal drugs in the zone that both inmates were housed in..
Stating how important he feels like transparency is, Jones said the public should be aware that both men were in custody at the time of their death, rather than to have not said anything and seeming as though there was a cover up.
Christian DyerSource: JPD
Jones said there are 190 Hinds County inmates currently housed in Tallahatchie County.
Christian Dyer, 24, was in custody and awaiting trial for the shooting death of 21-year-old Demarkis Kelly in 2020. Kelly was shot multiple times inside a car after an argument, JPD said.
Dyer was found unresponsive Sunday night and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Ulysses NelsonSource: JPD
Nelson, 24, was in custody and awaiting trial on charges of rape, aggravated assault, and domestic violence stemming from an April 1, 2023, incident. He was arrested April 4 of that year.
Jones said Nelson was transported to the hospital after being found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Both deaths are pending autopsy and toxicology. Tutweiler Police Department, the Tallhatchie County Coroner, and the State Medical Examiner’s office are handling the investigation, Jones said.
“It’s very important for us to be transparent because these are individuals being held in our custody awaiting trial,” Jones said. “It’s important to talk about this.”
In October 2023, Pod A was deemed unsafe and up to 200 detainees were sent to housing at Tallahatchie County.
UPDATE: Suspect, Christian Dyre-20, arrested and charged with murder for the shooting death of victim, Demarkis Kelly-21, that occurred on Erie St. Dyre surrendered himself to authorities. Incident is believed to have stemmed from an argument . #JPDCaptured https://t.co/Ve63NVynAj pic.twitter.com/4XztMRMUXh
— Jackson Police Department (@JacksonMSPolice) August 3, 2020
