Death of Woman in a Douglas County Jail Holding Cell Leads to an Independent Investigation

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — An independent investigation has been called following the death of 38-year-old Katrina Nicole Robertson in a Douglas County Jail cell on Monday night.

Douglas County Sheriff Describes Incident as a Tragedy

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin says the safety and security of people in custody is ‘of utmost importance.’ Expressing his condolences to the dead woman’s family, Sheriff Hanlin said the Roseburg Police Department will conduct an independent investigation and thoroughly review the facts surrounding Ms. Robertson’s death.

‘I have requested the assistance of an outside agency in the interest of providing an independent investigation into this tragedy,’ said Sheriff Hanlin.

Ms. Robertson, of Sutherlin, died after an alleged suicide while in custody. She was discovered in a holding cell by a deputy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at 5.40 p.m. on Monday.

She was unresponsive when found and, according to the Sheriff’s Department, Ms. Robertson had allegedly attempted suicide.

Emergency medical services were called and although personnel attempted to resuscitate the woman on the scene and in an ambulance enroute to a hospital, but she was pronounced dead.

Roseburg Police Department Will Investigate The Death of Katrina Nicole Robertson

Roseburg Police Department has begun investigating and any further information will be released by their office.

While the Sheriff’s Department did not reveal details leading to the death of Ms. Robertson, the incident has raised concerns about possible oversights and procedures in the Douglas County Jail.

This is an ongoing investigation, and further information will be released by the Roseburg Police Department later.