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FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA – An investigation has begun at the Shelby County Jail after the recent death of an inmate on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, Carly Smith, 38, of Birmingham, was arrested for the felony charge of obstruction of justice using a false identity. Following her arrest and intake into the Shelby County Jail, Smith was assessed by on-site medical staff.

On Aug. 13, at approximately 1:55 a.m. during a scheduled safety check by jail deputies, Smith was found to be suffering from what appeared to be medical distress. Shelby County jail deputies and jail medical staff immediately began emergency life-saving efforts. Southeast Shelby Rescue responded to the jail to assist with medical aid. Smith was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:26 a.m. on Aug. 13.

Sheriff John Samaniego has requested the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office conduct an outside review of this incident. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy in an effort to determine the cause of death.

According to court documents, Smith was arrested after allegedly utilizing a fake Social Security number and the fake name, Casey Kigner, on Aug. 8 to avoid summons, arrest prosecution or to impede a criminal investigation. Documents also indicate that Smith had several outstanding warrants from different agencies.

More information on the incident will be released when it becomes available.