Alexandria, La. (5/20/2026) – The incident happened around 7:20 a.m. on May 19. Deputies responded to a reported medical emergency inside the facility. When they arrived, they found 32-year-old Demetric Smith of Alexandria unresponsive and not breathing.
Deputies and corrections medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures. They administered Narcan because of a possible opioid overdose. In addition, responders performed CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator, commonly known as an AED.
Meanwhile, deputies and medical staff continued emergency treatment until Pafford EMS arrived at the detention center and took over the response.
Despite extensive life-saving efforts, Smith could not be revived. Officials pronounced him dead at approximately 8:12 a.m.
Following the incident, Corrections Security Investigators, Internal Affairs Investigators and Crime Scene Detectives responded to the facility. Investigators gathered evidence and interviewed other inmates as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said autopsy and toxicology results remain pending. The investigation into Smith’s death is still ongoing.
An inmate at Rapides Detention Center 1 died Tuesday morning after deputies found him unresponsive inside his cell, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened around 7:20 a.m. on May 19. Deputies responded to a reported medical emergency inside the facility. When they arrived, they found 32-year-old Demetric Smith of Alexandria unresponsive and not breathing.
Deputies and corrections medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures. They administered Narcan because of a possible opioid overdose. In addition, responders performed CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator, commonly known as an AED.
Meanwhile, deputies and medical staff continued emergency treatment until Pafford EMS arrived at the detention center and took over the response.
Despite extensive life-saving efforts, Smith could not be revived. Officials pronounced him dead at approximately 8:12 a.m.
Following the incident, Corrections Security Investigators, Internal Affairs Investigators and Crime Scene Detectives responded to the facility. Investigators gathered evidence and interviewed other inmates as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said autopsy and toxicology results remain pending. The investigation into Smith’s death is still ongoing.
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