Shelby County Jail Inmate Dies After Arrest

SHELBY COUNTY, AL — An inmate at the Shelby County Jail Sunday died while in custody. Denzell Rhine, 28, was arrested by the Montevallo Police Department on a failure to appear warrant, and was taken to the Shelby County Jail where he experienced a medical emergency.

Rhine was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Sheriff John Samaniego has requested the Shelby County Major Crimes Task Force to conduct an investigation into the incident. This multi-jurisdictional Task Force is comprised of law enforcement officers from different agencies throughout Shelby County.

The Sheriff, the District Attorney and the County Coroner have requested an autopsy of Rhine, and these results are pending.

“Any loss of life, regardless of the circumstances, is tragic and felt throughout our community,” Samaniego said.