10/28/2026
With the release of the autopsy results regarding the death of Darius Chappell, I understand there are many questions and concerns throughout our community.
As an elected official and Chairman of the Montgomery County Jail & Juvenile Committee, I share those concerns and believe the circumstances surrounding his death deserve a thorough and impartial examination.
Several months ago, I requested copies of the MCSO Jail policies and procedures related to: Medical intake and screening, hospital discharge and medical clearance, inmate medical requests, emergency medical response, transportation to outside medical facilities, wound care and medication administration, welfare and security checks, heightened medical observation, emergency response to an unresponsive inmate, in-custody death procedures, TBI and DA's Office notification, critical incident reviews, preservation of jail video and records, and the jail's medical services contract.
These documents were promptly provided by our Jail Administrator, and I have thoroughly reviewed them.
At our following Jail & Juvenile Committee meeting, I specifically made time on the agenda to discuss these policies and procedures. During that meeting, the committee asked questions about how the jail handles medical emergencies, monitors individuals in custody, and responds to potentially life-threatening situations.
Among the questions I asked were:
• When someone arrives at the jail after sustaining significant injuries during an arrest, what is the complete medical intake and evaluation process before they are accepted into custody?
• If that individual has already been treated and medically cleared by a hospital, what additional assessments, monitoring, or follow-up care are required once they enter the jail?
• What is the process for an inmate to report a worsening medical condition, and how are those complaints documented, evaluated, and escalated?
• Can deputies independently request or initiate a medical evaluation if they observe that an inmate needs attention, even if the inmate has not formally requested care?
• What medical staffing is available inside the jail around the clock, and what procedures are followed when an urgent medical issue occurs while certain medical personnel are not physically present?
• What are the required welfare and security-check intervals, how are those checks documented, and under what circumstances would an inmate be placed under more frequent observation?
• If a family member, attorney, advocacy organization, or another outside party contacts the jail with concerns about an inmate's health or welfare, what procedures are in place to receive, document, and act on that information?
• What is the standard procedure when an inmate is found unresponsive, including emergency medical response, EMS notification, preservation of records and video, and notification of outside investigative agencies?
I share this information because I believe the public should know that these concerns have been taken seriously and that questions regarding our jail's policies and procedures have already been raised and discussed through the appropriate oversight process.
‼️ However, I want to emphasize that while the autopsy results have been released, the TBI investigation is still ongoing. This does not mean the investigation is complete or that all the facts have been established. ‼️
Because this remains an active investigation, there are certain questions I am unable to pursue at this time. I know people want answers, and rightfully so, but it is equally important that we allow the investigative process to proceed without interference or premature conclusions.
For that reason, I will refrain from making further public statements regarding the specific circumstances surrounding Mr. Chappell's death until the investigation has concluded.
However, I will say: This should never have happened. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Chappell family. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one under these circumstances, and I recognize that no words can take away that loss.
Once the investigation is complete, I expect the findings to be thoroughly reviewed, the difficult questions to be answered, and any failures identified to be appropriately addressed.
Respecting an ongoing investigation does not mean ignoring difficult questions or avoiding accountability. It means ensuring those questions are answered based on facts and evidence, rather than assumptions, speculation, or public opinion.
I know our new Sheriff and his Command Staff have this as top priority and are doing everything possible to ensure transparency and accountability during this process.
I hope my counterparts on City Council, particularly members of their Public Safety Committee, are doing the same thorough audit of Clarksville Police Department’s policies and procedures.
Mr. Chappell's family and our community deserve the truth. Nothing less.
An autopsy conducted on a 34-year-old man who died in Montgomery County Jail has determined that he died by homicide, and that it resulted from his arrest and bites by a K9 police dog: https://clarksvillenow.com/local/autopsy-darius-chappell-died-by-homicide-resulting-from-arrest-police-k9-dog-bites/
