Convict Dies After Being Found Unresponsive In DC Jail Cell

An inmate being housed in the District has died, and now his death is under investigation, officials say.

The convict was previously released under the DC Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act after serving more than 25 years for first-degree murder
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

01/04/2024 2:28 p.m.

Early in the afternoon on Wednesday, Jan. 3, DC native Roy Tatum, 47, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Central Detention Facility, according to authorities.

He was pronounced dead less than an hour later at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon after "immediate life-saving measures were performed."

Tatum spent more than two decades in prison on a previous murder charge before being convicted on drug and weapons offenses last month.

The convict was previously released under the DC Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act after serving more than 25 years for first-degree murder.

Less than a year after he was released, members of the Metropolitan Police Department investigating an unrelated homicide arrested him for possession of firearms, ammunition, and drugs.

Tatum's body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The incident is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and of the DOC Office of Investigative Affairs.

This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.

Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Alexandria and receive free news updates.