ISP conducts death investigation on Bartholomew County Jail inmate

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 1:25 PM

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP) has now initiated a death investigation regarding an incident with an inmate at the Bartholomew County Jail last weekend.

On February 14, ISP-Versailles Post detectives reported to the jail to investigate after jail officers discovered a 31-year-old female inmate unconscious. She was the only occupant of the cell and was found unresponsive on the floor.

Immediate emergency care was provided until Bartholomew County EMS responded. The woman was transported to Columbus Regional Health in serious condition.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff requested the Indiana State Police to investigate the incident. On Tuesday, February 17, she passed away at an Indianapolis area hospital.

No foul play is suspected. The investigation remains ongoing.

More from Bartholomew County News

Salvation Army of Bloomington responds to overnight tornadoes

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Salvation Army of Bloomington is actively monitoring the impact of Thursday night’s tornadoes and is in communication with key community stakeholders as damage assessments continue across the region.
Tornado hits Bloomington; storm then tears through Brown, Bartholomew, Johnson Counties

INDIANAPOLIS - Officials confirmed a tornado touched down in Bloomington on Thursday evening. That storm continued east through Brown, Bartholomew, and Johnson Counties.
Columbus Fire Department promotes firefighter to lieutenant

COLUMBUS, Ind.- The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) announced the promotion of Firefighter Casey Taylor to the rank of Lieutenant. Lt. Taylor joined CFD in 2018. He has served in the fire service since 2009.
Disaster relief loans offered to local small businesses, nonprofits

COLUMBUS/SEYMOUR/NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are available to small businesses and private nonprofits (PNP) in Bartholomew, Jackson, and Jennings Counties, which sustained economic losses due to significant rainfall occurring from April 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
Tornado Watch extended until 11 p.m.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service has extended the Tornado Watch for much of the south-central and southern Indiana areas until 11 p.m. on Thursday.
Tornado Warning for Bartholomew, Johnson and other counties

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. – UPDATE (8 P.M.): A confirmed Tornado is moving east toward the COLUMBUS area along State Road 46 at 40 mph. It is currently impacting Taylorsville and Edinburgh. The Tornado Warning for Bartholomew County has been extended until 8:30 p.m. Storm damage to homes and power outages are already being reported in Bloomington. Ping pong-sized hail is being reported. Listen live to QMIX 107.3 for minute to minute weather updates. Get to a safe indoor location now!
Bartholomew County at Enhanced Risk for Severe Weather on Thursday

COLUMBUS, Ind.- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning that a potent storm system is possible in Bartholomew County on Thursday night with a chance of strong to severe storms between 2 and 10 p.m.
Brown County Humane Society awarded grant from PEDIGREE Foundation

NASHVILLE, Ind. – Brown County Humane Society (BCHS) has been awarded a grant from PEDIGREE Foundation to support its Behavior, Enrichment, Socialization and Training (BEST) Program.

Weather

Fri
46°F
Sat
45°F
Sun
30°F
Mon
32°F
Tue
43°F

ISP conducts death investigation on Bartholomew County Jail inmate

Share

More from Bartholomew County News

Weather

Search