Lafayette County Detention Center in Oxford, Mississippi.
On October 15, 2025, at approximately 1:52 am, deputies with the Lafayette County Detention Center discovered state inmate John Leath Halley Jr. unresponsive in his cell during routine checks. Deputies immediately notified Lafayette County 911 Dispatch and began administering life saving measures.
Baptist Ambulance Service and the Oxford Fire Department were dispatched to the jail. Medical personnel from both agencies arrived on scene at 1:58 am and assumed patient care. Despite resuscitation efforts, the inmate was pronounced deceased by paramedics with Baptist Ambulance Service.
At this time, no foul play is suspected. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office. The Mississippi Department of Corrections will lead the investigation. All inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to MDOC.
No further information will be released at this time.
About the Author
