TIPTON COUNTY, TN – Authorities say a Memphis man was found dead in a Tipton County Jail cell.
According to Tipton County Sheriff’s officials, 48 year-old Billy Gene Cantrell was found around 9:00 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2008, by correctional officers. Officials say the officers were conducting a routine inmate check when they discovered Cantrell.
The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office has asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to look into the death. Officials say that is the normal course of action when anyone dies in the custody of law enforcement. An autopsy will be conducted on Cantrell.
Cantrell was arrested on Wednesday, January 7th, by the Tennessee Highway Patrol after a crash that happened on Simmons Road in Drummonds. Police say Cantrell was charged with reckless driving, DUI (second offence), driving on a revoked/suspended license, theft of a motor vehicle and carrying or possessing an unlawful weapon.
