ST. GEORGE — An inmate was found dead at the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility, and authorities have preliminarily ruled the man’s death a suicide.
The incident happened early Friday at the jail located in Hurricane that serves as the Washington County jail.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to an inmate identified as David Staples having a cardiac arrest. The inmate was pronounced dead after life-saving measures were unsuccessful, the statement read.
“This appears to be a suicide by the preliminary investigation,” the statement added. “However, the investigation is still ongoing and we are awaiting information from the medical examiners’ office.”
Officials say Staples’ family has been notified.
Washington County District Attorney Eric Clarke said the Washington County Incident Task Force, which investigates both inmate deaths and shootings involving law enforcement, is investigating the incident.
According to court documents, Staples, 53, had a warrant for more than a year out for his arrest for not showing up to a court hearing until he was arrested on the evening of Feb. 28.
The Nov. 24, 2021 court date was a review hearing on an accusation of receiving copper stolen from a LaVerkin business in October 2021. A warrant was issued for Staples’ arrest the next day, and he was arrested last week. That warrant was one of six active warrants that Staples was under when he was arrested.
Staples had a history of convictions dating back to 1988, with almost all of the incidents being in Washington County.
“It’s clear looking at the number of criminal cases filed against him over the years that he had a troubled past,” Clarke said.
Clarke said that he feels “very strongly” that the jail is protecting its inmates.
“I think our Sheriff’s Office does a great job and that our jail is a safe place,” Clarke said. “If I had a family member, I would be more concerned about the choices they’ve made.”
With Friday’s incident, at least two inmates have died at Purgatory in the last year. Last August, a female inmate reportedly died as a result of an “unknown medical issue.”
Additionally, in December, a male inmate allegedly nearly beat another inmate to death.
If you or someone you know is in danger because of suicidal thoughts or actions, call 911 immediately. Suicide is an emergency that requires help by trained medical professionals and should always be treated seriously.
Resources
Nationwide suicide hotlines, 988, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (8255), have counselors available 24/7. The Southwest Behavioral Health Center also offers help for Southern Utah residents; call 800-574-6763 or 435-634-5600.
Other resources include Suicide.org, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Association of Suicidology. All provide comprehensive information and help on the issue of suicide, from prevention to treatment to coping with loss.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.