Officials probing death of Macoupin County inmate

CARLINVILLE — Authorities in southwestern Illinois’ Macoupin County say they’re investigating the death of a man a day after he was jailed on an outstanding warrant.

The (Alton) Telegraph reports that 45-year-old William Smith of Virden died Monday at a Carlinville hospital, shortly after jail workers found him unresponsive in his cell.

It’s not immediately clear why Smith died. Coroner Brad Targhetta says results of an autopsy and lab screenings of Smith’s blood are pending.

State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson says Smith was arrested Sunday on a warrant alleging that he failed to appear in court in connection with a 2011 charge of driving under the influence in Palmyra.

Targhetta says a coroner’s inquest will be held once the investigation is finished.