New Orleans police will lead the investigation into the death of an inmate at the Orleans Parish jail.
NOPD spokesman Tyler Gamble says state police could play a supporting role in the investigation.
The New Orleans Advocate reports Sheriff Marlin Gusman spoke with police Superintendent Michael Harrison yesterday, and agreed the NOPD will take the lead.
The case centers on the death of inmate Willie Lee.
Coroner Jeffrey Rouse determined Lee died in March of a heart attack after a fight. He classified the death as a homicide.
Gusman asked state police to investigate. He says it’s vital that the case be transparent.
The state Attorney General’s Office and FBI were also consulted. It’s not clear what role they may play in the investigation.
