The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying they are “transparent” but cannot release details until the investigations are complete after three jail inmates died in two weeks.
The sheriff’s office said in the Thursday statement that they “faithfully serve the community, promoting the safety and equal protection of all.”
Officials said four in-custody deaths have occurred involving inmates of the McHenry County Jail in 2023.
“This Office has been fully transparent in providing information in conjunction with McHenry County Sheriff’s Office General Orders, policy and procedures, state laws, and the consideration of affected families,” the sheriff’s office said.
Despite the agency saying they are fully transparent, they did not publicly release any information when the jail’s first inmate death of the year occurred in July.
Officials said the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) has acted as the independent investigating agency in the four deaths.
“McHenry County Sheriff’s Office empathizes with members of our community and the families affected by these losses,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials said details are not released until MIAT and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office conclude their investigations.
“This process is consistent with any type of investigation. The Sheriff’s Office goes through comprehensive measures to ensure the health, safety, and wellness of all inmates,” the statement said.
The office said they contract with a health and wellness provider that is on staff 24 hours a day every day.
“This staff meets with all inmates upon intake and continuously monitors the health and needs of these individuals. Inmates who need further healthcare are transported to local health facilities where they remain further evaluated and medical needs are addressed,” the statement said.
Sean Grendel, 51, of McHenry, died on November 21 after he was also found unresponsive in his cell at the jail.
Grendel was found in a single-occupied cell and corrections officers attempted lifesaving measures and called the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.
Paramedics took over lifesaving measures, which were unsuccessful, the sheriff’s office said.
On Sunday, an inmate being held for attempted murder after allegedly shooting a rifle at sheriff’s deputies near Harvard last year died while awaiting trial.
Randall B. Little, 59, of Harvard, had been transported to a hospital from the jail on October 20 due to his health.
Little was then transferred to a hospice care facility on November 13 and remained under guard until his death, which was from a terminal illness.
Timothy Mumford, 74, of Johnsburg, was found unresponsive in his cell around 4 p.m. Thursday.
Mumford was in a single-occupied booking cell and corrections officers at the jail began performing lifesaving measures on Mumford.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded and took over lifesaving measures, which were unsuccessful.
Mumford, who was the third inmate to die in two weeks, was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to the health and safety of each inmate and are confident in our Corrections Officers’ ability to maintain a safe environment. As investigations conclude and more information becomes available, we will update the public,” the agency said in their statement.