By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A 29-year-old Tuscaloosa mother jailed in connection with her infant son’s death died after experiencing a medical emergency in custody on Oct. 6, prompting an investigation by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.
Ja’Keisa Knox became unresponsive while receiving treatment for a medical issue at the Tuscaloosa County Jail, Capt. Marty Sellers told the Tuscaloosa Thread. Staff provided aid before she was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Knox had been arrested following the June 30 death of her 9-month-old son, Sakai Howard. Investigators said she called 911 around 4 p.m. after returning to her apartment on 21st Avenue East and finding him unresponsive.
According to authorities, Knox said she was the infant’s sole caregiver and had left him alone around 8 a.m. while she worked. Emergency responders transported Sakai to DCH, where he died. Medical personnel reported physical injuries, extremely low weight, and signs of malnourishment, prompting a criminal investigation.
“My son is dead. He’s deceased,” Sakai’s father, Santavier Richey, told WBRC in July while describing his grief.
The Tuscaloosa Thread subsequently reported that a grand jury indicted Knox on Sept. 30 for aggravated child abuse involving a child younger than 6. The indictment alleged severe malnutrition and dehydration resulting in Sakai’s death. It was filed in circuit court Oct. 9, three days after Knox died.
Officials told the Thread there were no signs of foul play or self-harm in Knox’s death. As of its Oct. 13 report, autopsy results remained pending, and her cause of death had not been released. Knox died before the allegations against her could be resolved at trial.