Smith County Jail Inmate Found Hanging in Cell

TYLER � Authorities continue to investigate the death of a Smith County inmate who was set to appear in court Friday on child sex assault charges. At 3:45 Friday morning, a Detention Officer at the Smith County Jail found inmate Kerry Deon Winston, 42, Tyler, hanging in his cell. Officials said EMS was contacted and CPR was administered to Winston by jail personnel prior to EMS arriving at the jail. The inmate was alive but unresponsive at that time. Winston was pronounced dead at East Texas Medical Center around 4:25. An autopsy was ordered.

A preliminary investigation indicated that a note was left by Winston outlining his intentions to take his own life. There were no previous reports or concerns from him or cell mates indicating that he had discussed his intentions.

Winston was jailed on March 6 of this year on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and was in the Smith County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He was scheduled to appear in the 7th State District Court of Smith County at 1:00 this afternoon to enter a plea and receive sentencing.

An investigation is underway and the Texas Rangers have been called in to help.