Anderson County Jail death under investigation

ANDERSON COUNTY — The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died in the Anderson County Jail on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Rodney Lynn McKenzie, 47, was arrested by Frankston Police just before midnight on Thursday, October 5 on two outstanding traffic warrants issued by Anderson County Justice Court, Precinct 2. McKenzie was taken to Anderson County Jail and reportedly screened by medical staff before being booked. From 1:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 6 he was held in the booking area before he was moved into a cell. Around 6 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning jail staff reportedly saw McKenzie moving in the cell. At 10:05 a.m. inmates notified the control operator by intercom that McKenzie was reportedly in “medical distress”, according to the sheriff’s office.

Jail staff and medical personnel arrived at the cell and McKenzie was not alert or responsive but his vital signs were reportedly still detectable. McKenzie was taken to Palestine Regional Medical Center where he passed away at 10:57 a.m. while being treated in their emergency room, according to a press release.

The Texas Rangers have been notified about McKenzie’s death and are conducting an investigation.