Deceased woman discovered in Cherokee County Jail

RUSK – A Jacksonville woman found unresponsive in the Cherokee County Jail Sunday was pronounced dead soon after, according to release from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

“At approximately 3 a.m., on Aug. 22, 2021, Clara Edwards, 75, of Jacksonville, was found unresponsive in her cell by a correctional officer who was performing visual checks. EMS was contacted and responded to the jail, where it was determined that Edwards was deceased. Justice of the Peace Tony Johnson pronounced the time of death,” the release stated.

“Edwards was brought to the Cherokee County Jail on Feb. 12, 2021, by an arresting agency, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. An investigation is being conducted by the Cherokee County Criminal Investigation Unit, Cherokee County Internal Affairs and the Texas Rangers as it is customary with any death in custody case.”

Edwards was transported to Forensic Medical Management Services of Tyler, where an autopsy will be conducted, the release noted.

The case remains active pending further investigation.