MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. — Elijah Lester Isbill, 74, died shortly after being taken into custody by the Madisonville Police Department on February 6, following a medical-related call, according to Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones.
Body camera footage from the incident shows officers attempting several times to persuade Isbill to leave with his daughter, Windy Duncan, or Monroe County EMS for a medical evaluation. Despite their efforts, Isbill appeared intoxicated, slurred his speech, and refused to cooperate, even attempting to re-enter his vehicle after being asked to step out.
During the encounter, Isbill became agitated and threatened officers, referencing a shotgun which was subsequently secured by police. Although Duncan claimed power of attorney over Isbill, EMS personnel determined that he was lucid, negating the authority for medical intervention. Duncan then signed an Against Medical Advice form refusing treatment for her father, leading to his arrest and transport to the Monroe County Justice Center roughly an hour later.
At the Justice Center, Isbill reportedly became uncooperative, shouting and falling in his cell. To ensure the safety of both Isbill and staff, he was placed in a restraint chair with medical personnel nearby. A spit mask was also used to prevent Isbill from spitting on officers.
Video footage reviewed by Sheriff Jones shows Isbill stopped moving in the restraint chair, prompting officers and medical staff to enter the cell about two and a half minutes later and begin lifesaving measures, including CPR. Isbill was transported to Blount Memorial Hospital, where he died shortly thereafter.
During the investigation, Sheriff Jones disclosed that a corrections deputy made an inappropriate gesture toward a camera. The deputy was subsequently terminated from the sheriff’s office.
Following the incident, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted a thorough review. District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the jail staff involved. Hatchett cited the autopsy results, which indicated Isbill died from natural causes and showed no injuries contributing to his death.
Hatchett also referenced a previous incident in May 2024 when Isbill exhibited similar symptoms and was again placed in a restraint chair. The DA’s full statement addresses ongoing concerns regarding Isbill’s treatment during that earlier arrest.
