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On January 4, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a female inmate being housed at the Chambers County Detention Facility, was found unresponsive in an assigned holding cell.

Detention deputies and medical personnel began immediate lifesaving measures and notified 911 for an ambulance. Lafayette Fire & EMS responded and also maintained lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, the measures were unsuccessful and she was pronounced deceased.

As is standard protocol, Sheriff Nelson requested that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation. All evidence was turned over to SBI upon arrival.

The female inmate is identified as Leanna Washington, 36 years old, from LaGrange, GA. She was booked on 12/28/2024 on drug charges resulting from an arrest by Valley Police Department.

There were no other inmates or detention deputies involved in this incident. No further information will be released until SBI completes the investigation.