St. Louis jail detainee dies by apparent suicide

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis City Justice Center first reported over the weekend that on Saturday a female detainee was hospitalized following a self-harm incident.

KMOX has now confirmed the woman, now identified as 33-year-old Katrina Kelley, died at the hospital on August 28th.

"It's with deep sadness that we confirm the death of an individual who had been detained in the City Justice Center," said a spokesperson with the St. Louis Division of Public Safety in a statement. "A female detainee who was receiving treatment at a local area hospital following a self-harm incident that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 24, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital."

The statement goes on to say that one death is one too many and adds, "this loss is profoundly felt by all within our community."

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Force Investigative Unit, Kelly attempted to hang herself alone in her jail cell on August 24th around 8:20 pm. Kelly was transported to an area hospital in critical, stable condition.

While confined to the hospital, Kelly's condition deteriorated and she was placed on life support. She was declared neurologically dead on August 28th.

Rev. Darryl Gray, Chairperson of the Detention Facility Oversight Board (DFOB), first learned of the death when KMOX contacted him for a statement. He sends his condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman, adding they are seeking information about the now-fatal self-harm incident.

"To see, what the circumstances were that lead up to the attempted suicide, if the young lady was on suicide watch or not and just what the particulars are," said Rev. Gray.

Rev. Gray says this death will be a priority for the DFOB.

"To review at least the internal report, to review protocol, to make sure all the protocols and procedures were met leading up to the attempted suicide." He adds they will also look at the procedures following the woman's discovery after the suicide attempt.

Gray also cautions patience before drawing conclusions but says this.

"The number of detainees in there versus the number of staff, I think will always be problematic. Will it result in a fatality? Our prayer is that it never will." said Gray.

The spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety says they are reviewing the incident and offering support to detainees and other individuals impacted by this incident.

Kelly was charged with murder, four counts of armed criminal action and three counts of assault in the first degree for her alleged role in a July quadruple shooting that left one dead.

Rev. Gray says to his knowledge this is the first death at the St. Louis City Jail since December of 2023, when a detainee of the City Justice Center died by apparent suicide.