James William GannThe Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting in probing two apparent inmate suicides that happened two weeks apart in March at the Franklin County Jail in Winchester.
James William Gann III, 36, of Decherd, was found unresponsive on March 16 and Angela Renee King Murphy, 37, of Monterey, was found unresponsive March 30, according to officials and a statement from Franklin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Chris Guess.
Initial circumstances in the two cases were similar, Guess said. Gann and Murphy both were found prone on the floors of their cells, and both were taken to hospitals where they died a day after being admitted.
Angela Renee King MurphySheriff Tim Fuller said the suspected suicides are a first during his tenure, though he notes there have been natural deaths over the years.
"I know for the last 13 years, we haven't had any suicides," Fuller said. "I don't know if it's something in the water or what, but we've had our share here lately, and there was no forewarning on either of them."
Fuller said the TBI is asked to assist in any inmate death investigation, whatever the circumstances.
Guess said corrections officers responded to Gann's cell about 4:30 p.m. CST on March 16 after he was reported to be "in distress." The officers performed CPR and emergency personnel transported him to Southern Tennessee Regional Health System and then to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga, where he was pronounced dead March 17.
Murphy, also reported to be "in distress," was found unresponsive by corrections officers around 6:30 p.m. CST on March 30. Again, officials performed CPR until emergency medical personnel took her to the local hospital and then to Chattanooga, where she was pronounced dead March 31, Guess said.
Authorities said more information will be released when available.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton or at www.facebook.com/benbenton1.