Alcorn Inmate Dies From Overdose

CORINTH, Miss. (AP) – An autopsy shows an inmate on a weekend pass died from a multi-drug overdose.

Authorities say 56-year-old William “Danny” Whitaker was found dead at his mother’s home on Oct. 26 while on pass from jail.

Alcorn County Coroner Jay Jones tells the Daily Corinthian (http://bit.ly/1lCdsSI ) that Whitaker, a state inmate being housing in the county jail, was found to have several drugs in his body.

Whitaker was serving a jail sentence for robbery, burglary and aggravated assault. State corrections officials say he was not eligible for the weekend leave program.

Sheriff Charles Rinehart says Whitaker was given a pass to spend time with his sick mother when he died.

In December, the board of supervisors a two-year agreement with Mississippi Correctional Management to operate, manage and maintain the jail.