Ky. Jail Inmate Suffers Atrial Flutter, Dies in Custody

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June 27--A Fayette County Detention Center inmate died Saturday evening after being transported to the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital.

Anthony Dwayne Davis died at 9:16 p.m. Saturday, according to a report from the Fayette County coroner's office.

The coroner's report said that Davis was found unresponsive in a cell and that no foul play is suspected.

Davis, 26, of Lexington was in the jail's medical unit when an ambulance was called, according to Susan Straub, spokeswoman for the mayor's office. Straub said there is "a detailed record of frequent medical checks" on Davis "leading up to the time the ambulance was called." Davis was taken to UK hospital.

Straub declined to provide any other details.

Davis' mother, Janet Davis, told the Herald-Leader her son had atrial flutter, an abnormal heart condition, for which it is "very important" to take medication twice a day. She said he would get a fast heart rate reaching 200 to 350 beats per minute, and then become agitated and start sweating.

Davis was arrested on June 18 for first-degree wanton endangerment and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked in the jail June 19.

According to court documents, he brandished a firearm and pointed it at two individuals, creating "a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to both victims." He was found in possession of seven oxycodone pills, according to police reports.

Janet Davis said she called the jail "several, several" times asking for her son to get medical help. She hopes his case raises awareness about others who might be in similar situations.

"There's been so many people in jail and they don't give them the proper treatment," she said. "We don't want it to happen to any other parents, child, husband or wife."

Janet Davis said a peaceful candlelight vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Monday outside of the jail, to remember her son and raise awareness about inmate deaths.

This is the jail's second in custody death in the past five years.

Last year, a 54-year-old Lexington man died on a Saturday morning after being transported to the UK hospital.

Dean Ferguson was serving time after being convicted of driving under the influence. He checked into the jail at 7 p.m. July 9 and was taken to the hospital the next morning. He was pronounced dead of a pulmonary embolism at 10:13 a.m. July 10, according to a report from the Fayette County coroner.

Administrators of Ferguson's estate have sued the Urban County Government and others, contending the man was a victim of "egregious and unjustifiable treatment."

Anthony Davis' family and friends want to make sure inmate deaths don't go unnoticed.

Theresa Oiler, a family friend of the Davises, said the vigil is being held because "somebody needs to know Anthony Davis' story."

She said witnesses at the jail saw Davis acting strange Thursday, "talking out of his head" and being incoherent.

Janet Davis said she called the jail Thursday afternoon after visiting her son and "begged" them to get him medical attention.

"Why didn't they act faster?" Oiler said. "I believe that this death could have been prevented."

She said Davis' mother was notified of his hospitalization after another inmate called a friend outside of the jail.

Oiler said the jail "didn't even have the audacity to pick up the phone."

"We understand that they're inmates, they've committed some kind of crime, but as a government building that is housing them, they are obligated to their medical needs and medical safety and medical care," Oiler said.

Straub had no further comment when told about the family's concerns and calls to the jail.

Oiler said Davis was a good person who made a bad choice.

"He has a smile that nobody has," said Oiler, whose brother was Davis' best friend.

"He was a big bear, we all loved him."Arrangements are being handled by Kerr Brothers.