ASO announces death of 68-year-old jail inmate

Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:15 p.m., staff from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Department of the Jail contacted the Combined Communications Center to request emergency medical services for a 68-year-old female who was found unresponsive in her bed, while in the infirmary.

It was reported that medical staff was tending to the patient while detention personnel summoned additional assistance. Gainesville Fire Rescue personnel arrived at the infirmary at 11:22 p.m. and took over life-saving efforts.

At 11:50 p.m., paramedics ceased life-saving efforts and informed deputies that the patient had died.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was called to the scene to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. This is standard procedure for any death that occurs inside the Department of the Jail and will run parallel to an internal investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Standards.

Initial information received at the start of the investigation revealed that the person in custody, 68-year-old Shirley Williams, was housed in the infirmary, where she was under close observation with available medical staff on site. Detention staff checked on Ms. Williams every 15 minutes, as required by policy, which was verified by camera systems within the facility. During one of those routine checks, a detention officer found that Ms. Williams did not appear to be breathing. The officer immediately activated a “Code Blue,” began performing CPR, and summoned additional assistance from medical staff.

The information contained within this release is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues and additional facts.

Sheriff Scott and our entire Alachua County Sheriff’s Office staff extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Ms. Williams as they grieve her loss.