Detectives Investigate Inmate Death

MEDFORD, Ore. –  Detectives are investigating the death of an inmate that occurred in the Jackson County jail late Monday night.  The preliminary investigation indicates that Scott Lee Ashbaugh, 28, died of an apparent suicide. 

On November 4, 2019, at 10:56 p.m., a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy found Ashbaugh unresponsive during a cell check and initiated life-saving efforts.  Medical help was summoned from Medford Fire & Rescue and Mercy Flights; however, Ashbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) was activated, a standard procedure with in-custody deaths in Jackson County.  A detective from Medford PD is leading the investigation. 

According to the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, an autopsy is scheduled for November 6 to confirm the cause and manner of death.  Detectives say Ashbaugh’s family has been notified of his death.

Ashbaugh was arrested by Medford Police on October 19 for a probation violation for failing to report as a sex offender and resisting arrest.  He was serving a sanction for the probation violation and was set to be released from jail on November 7.  Jail officials say Ashbaugh was housed in a cell with no other inmates present at the time of his death.

No further information is available for release at this time.  An update will be provided by the Jackson County District Attorney at the conclusion of the investigation.

JCSO officials say mental health services are available to inmates in the jail, as well as locally for people experiencing a mental health crisis.  The Jackson County Mental Health 24-hour crisis hotline number is (541) 774-8201.  Walk-in mental health services are also available at 140 S. Holly Street, Medford (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5 pm).  The number to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Case #19-23286

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