ST. LOUIS, MO — A 31-year-old man died Saturday night while in custody at the St. Louis City Justice Center, raising serious questions about safety, oversight, and the treatment of detainees inside one of the city’s most scrutinized detention facilities.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Hayes Jr., was involved in a violent altercation with another inmate around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Authorities say correctional staff intervened to stop the fight, but Hayes reportedly refused to comply with verbal commands following the incident. He was then placed in a restraint chair—a security device used to immobilize detainees deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Roughly 90 minutes later, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers found Hayes unresponsive while still restrained. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned, and Hayes was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
His next of kin have been notified, and an autopsy is pending. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death. At this time, no further details regarding pre-existing medical conditions or injuries have been publicly released.
In a statement, officials confirmed that the Force Investigations Unit is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident. Investigators are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating whether standard procedures were followed during and after the altercation, especially with regard to the use and monitoring of the restraint chair.
The death of Samuel Hayes Jr. marks yet another incident casting a harsh spotlight on conditions at the St. Louis City Justice Center, which has come under fire in recent years for overcrowding, understaffing, and alleged mistreatment of detainees. Civil rights advocates and community leaders are now calling for transparency and accountability, urging city officials to release more information and ensure that Hayes’ death is not ignored.
“This isn’t just about one man’s death—it’s about a pattern,” said one local advocate. “People inside that facility are still human beings. They deserve dignity, protection, and oversight.”
The use of restraint chairs, in particular, has drawn national attention and criticism. While legal in many jurisdictions, such devices have been associated with numerous in-custody deaths across the U.S. when improperly used or monitored. Experts note that prolonged restraint, positional asphyxia, and medical neglect are all potential risks when these chairs are deployed without stringent safeguards.
This incident has renewed calls for an independent review of jail practices, including how fights are deescalated, how often medical checks are conducted on restrained individuals, and whether staff receive sufficient training to handle detainee crises without escalating harm.
As the community mourns and demands answers, the death of Samuel Hayes Jr. remains under active investigation. The findings could have significant implications not only for the future of the Justice Center but for the broader conversation about justice and humanity within America’s jails.