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Authorities investigating woman’s death at Peoria County Jail

Peoria County

An investigation is underway after a 39-year-old woman being held at the Peoria County Jail died Tuesday morning.

The woman was discovered unresponsive in her cell shortly before 4:30 a.m., according to a news release from Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins. She had been in custody since Sunday on a warrant for failure to appear in court.

Correctional officers immediately began life-saving measures and called for assistance. Emergency responders continued attempts at resuscitation, but were unsuccessful.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood responded to the facility. He has not yet released the woman’s identity or any official cause of death.

Watkins says the Illinois State Police and the coroner’s office are conducting a full investigation. He said there are no preliminary indications of foul play.

Joe Deacon is a reporter at WCBU and WGLT. Contact Joe at jdeacon@ilstu.edu.