MADISON PARISH, LA — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident at the Madison Parish Detention Center after two inmates were pronounced dead and two others were hospitalized on Tuesday, January 20th. The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office said the situation unfolded around 7 p.m., when deputies discovered four inmates unresponsive in the facility.
According to Investigator Brandon Wilcher, emergency measures were immediately taken, including first aid and the administration of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Two of the inmates were successfully revived and are currently receiving medical supervision, while, despite the efforts of emergency personnel, two others were pronounced dead at the scene, including Jonesboro, LA resident Bruce Bryant, as confirmed by Madison Parish Detention Center Warden Tommy Farmer.
Authorities believe the incident may be linked to the inhalation of an unknown substance that was brought into the detention center. Sheriff’s Office officials cautioned, however, that the presence and nature of the substance have not yet been confirmed, and investigators are continuing to determine how it entered the facility.
The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff within the facility. At this time, it is unclear whether criminal charges will result from the incident.
The department emphasized that the investigation is a top priority, with officials reviewing procedures and security protocols to understand how the incident occurred and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Officials are urging patience as investigators carefully examine the scene, interview staff and inmates, and gather evidence. The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office said that additional details will be released as they become available, and they continue to ask the public to respect the privacy of the families affected by this tragedy.