MONROE COUNTY (WOKI) – An investigation conducted by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment of three now former correctional officers, one additional correctional officer, one correctional sergeant, and two jail nurses.
On February 7th, at the request of 10th Judicial District Attorney General Steven Hatchett, TBI agents began investigating the in-custody death of Elijah Lester Isbill (DOB 5/19/1950). Isbill was arrested on February 6th by the Madisonville Police Department and transported to the Monroe County Jail. Isbill was later found unresponsive after being placed in a restraint chair by corrections officers. EMS responded and transported Isbill to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
On September 3rd, 2025, the Monroe County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging the following individuals:
Joshua Duncan (DOB 08/20/1989) charged with one count of Official Misconduct. Bond: $5,000.
Jerron Henry (DOB 08/26/2000) charged with one count of Official Misconduct. Bond: $5,000.
Tyler Finger (DOB 10/20/1991) charged with one count of Official Misconduct. Bond: $5,000.
Elijah Spencer (DOB 05/16/2000) charged with one count of Official Misconduct. Bond: $5,000.
Tommy Reagan (DOB 04/20/2001) charged with one count of Official Misconduct. Bond: $5,000.
Greg Mills (DOB 06/28/1972) charged with one count of False Reports. Bond: $5,000.
Courtney Woods (DOB 06/29/1990) charged with one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide. Bond: $5,000.
All seven individuals have turned themselves in and were booked into the Monroe County Jail.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
(Courtesy of WVLT) – On Wednesday, Sheriff Jones released another statement, which mentions he had a phone call with Dr. Suzuki, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on Isbill, asking why the autopsy had been amended.
When asked if she had reviewed the entire 9.5 hours of video, she said no. When asked if she saw where Mr. Isbill was offered water and refused, she said no. When asked if she saw when medical staff repeatedly took vital signs, she said no. When asked if she saw correction officers performing mobility checks (moving his arms and legs) according to protocol, she said no.
She also stated in the amended report that dehydration was a contributing factor in Mr. Isbill’s death however, there is no mention of dehydration in the initial report.
I acknowledge that certain individuals, including persons not employed by this office, engaged in conduct that could be viewed as negligent and must be addressed.
With respect to my staff, I have personally reviewed all available recordings in their entirety. These recordings were turned over to TBI during the very first investigation, (which began the day after Mr. Isbill’s death). Where policy violations occurred, appropriate corrective measures have been taken. Did I or do I believe that anyone from my staff is guilty of homicide? The answer is unequivocally NO.
While I will not speculate on the motives behind the most recent investigation or the timing of these indictments, I remain concerned that the process has been influenced by selective information and external pressures.
Regardless, I will continue to cooperate fully with the legal process.
I remain confident in the professionalism and integrity of the men and women of this office. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continued service and protection of the citizens of Monroe County.Tommy Jones, Monroe County Sheriff
