Sangamon Co. Sheriff's Office releases footage of inmate's death
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has released new video footage related to the death of an inmate at the Sangamon County Jail.

Officials said the footage confirms that jail staff acted according to established procedures and that their actions were appropriate. Nothing could have been done to prevent the death of 55-year-old Jeffery Lapping, they added.

That footage can be viewed by clicking here.

Lapping was discovered alone and unresponsive in his cell at 8:29 a.m. on Feb. 18. The video footage shows Lapping sitting on his bed before getting up and sitting down on his cell’s toilet. About one minute later, Lapping was still in a sitting position when his torso slumped over and he stopped moving.

He remained motionless for the next two minutes until a correctional officer entered his cell, during a routine cell check. Officials said checks happen every 30 minutes and this check happened when it was supposed to.

The video shows that after trying to elicit a response from Lapping, the officer called for help and took Lapping off of the toilet with the help of another responding officer. They laid him on the floor and started life-saving measures that included CPR and use of a defibrillator.

EMS arrived and took Lapping to HSHS St. John’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:59 a.m.

While toxicology reports are still pending, the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office said preliminary autopsy results indicate Lapping died from natural causes. There were no signs of injury or physical trauma.

“The released video confirms that all appropriate actions were taken by correctional staff in accordance with established procedures,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Nothing more could have been done to prevent the outcome. We extend our condolences to Mr. Lapping’s family.”

Lapping’s death remains under investigation, and the footage was released in accordance with legal and procedural guidelines.

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