Smith County Inmate’s Death Investigated

TYLER – The death of a Smith County Jail inmate is under investigation. Teddy Wayne Parker, 32, of Whitehouse, was rushed to the hospital shortly after being booked into the jail on Sunday. He was put on a ventilator at the hospital. Tuesday afternoon, the decision was made to remove the ventilator and Parker died. Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers ordered an autopsy to be performed in Dallas. The investigation of the death has been turned over to the Texas Rangers.

Parker was brought to the jail by Tyler police around 6:45 Sunday morning. During the early stages of the booking process, Parker was said to have become combative and uncooperative and was placed in a padded cell to prevent injury to himself and officers. A officers tried remove earrings from Parker, he began spitting on them.

A short time later the he was observed to be turning blue in the face and was unresponsive. A Code Blue (medical emergency) was called and lifesaving procedures were initiated to include an Automated External Defibrillator. EMS and Tyler Fire Department personnel arrived a short time later and continued lifesaving operations. Parker was reported to be responsive upon leaving the jail facility.