News Summary
John Leath Halley Jr., a 48-year-old inmate from Byhalia, was found dead in his cell at the Lafayette County Detention Center. Detention deputies found him unresponsive during routine checks. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities currently suspect no foul play and the cause of death will be investigated by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office. This incident has raised concerns about inmate health and safety in detention facilities.
Lafayette County, Mississippi – Inmate Found Dead in Detention Center
John Leath Halley Jr., a 48-year-old state inmate from Byhalia, Mississippi, was found dead in his cell at the Lafayette County Detention Center early on October 15, 2025. Detention center deputies discovered Halley unresponsive during routine checks around 1:52 a.m. and immediately called 911 while attempting to administer CPR.
Baptist Ambulance Service and the Oxford Fire Department were dispatched to the facility, with medical personnel arriving at 1:58 a.m. They continued life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, Halley was pronounced dead by paramedics from the Baptist Ambulance Service.
Authorities have stated that at this time, no foul play is suspected regarding Halley’s death. The cause and manner of death are to be determined by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation into Halley’s death will be conducted by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and all inquiries related to the investigation are directed to the MDOC.
Background Information on John Leath Halley Jr.
Halley was arrested earlier in October 2025 for allegedly stealing a Bobcat T300 Skid Steer. Following his arrest, he was granted a bond of $5,000 but was still on hold due to a parole violation from the Mississippi Department of Corrections at the time of his death.
More information regarding the circumstances leading up to Halley’s death or the specifics of his health prior to this incident remain unavailable as authorities have not released any further details at this time.
Implications of the Investigation
The Mississippi Department of Corrections will be leading the investigation into Halley’s demise while ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding his death. This event has prompted discussions on inmate health and safety in state detention facilities. The transparent progress of the investigation and eventual findings will be crucial in understanding what led to this tragic incident.
As of now, the details surrounding Halley’s time in the Lafayette County Detention Center in the days leading up to his death are limited, and the community is awaiting further updates from the authorities involved.
This incident highlights the importance of monitoring the health and safety of inmates, and ensures that further checks and protocols will be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the welfare of individuals in detention.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Local Memphis
- WTVA
- Google Search: Lafayette County inmate death
- Wikipedia: Lafayette County, Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
