Shelby County Jail Inmate Death Investigation

Press release from the Shelby County Alabama Sheriff's Department:

October 15, 2021

(COLUMBIANA, AL) On October 12, 2021, 37 year old Gavin Edward Breazeale was taken into custody after being sentenced in court on charges of Driving under the Influence and Assault 1st. Following the sentencing, he was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

On October 15, 2021, at approximately 3:30 am, during a safety and security check by jail deputies, Breazeale was found in cardiac distress. Shelby County jail deputies and medical staff immediately began providing emergency medical care. Southeast Shelby Rescue responded to assist, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Sheriff John Samaniego has requested the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

Sheriff Samaniego stated, “We express our sincere condolences to Mr. Breazeale’s family during this difficult time.”

This press release was produced by the Shelby County Alabama Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.