SARASOTA, FL. – Two inmates have died in Sarasota County, one of which is being investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
On Sunday afternoon just before 4:30 p.m., 64-year-old Edward Byrnes died while receiving end-of-life care at a local hospital.
Byrnes was in the custody of the sheriff’s office since June 2021 on a Larceny charge and two counts of Probation Violation. On August 1, 2021, due to ongoing medical issues, Byrnes was admitted to the hospital where he has been on life support for several weeks. On Sunday, Byrnes’ family made the decision to complete his care.
Detectives responded to the hospital and based on their investigation, believe Byrnes’ cause of death is medical in nature and no foul play is suspected. It is important to mention that Mr. Byrnes’ death is also not believed to be COVID-related. As always, an official cause of death will come from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
In a separate, unrelated incident, on Sunday night just before 8:30 p.m., deputies located an inmate unresponsive in his cell. Corrections deputies entered the cell and began administering CPR but were unsuccessful.
“Based on preliminary investigation, detectives believe the inmate’s death may have been self-inflicted however, the Medical Examiner’s Office has assumed the investigation and will determine an official cause of death,” said SCSO in a statement.
The inmate was housed in a cell by himself and there is no reason to suspect foul play at this time.
The decedent is identified as 40-year-old Thomas Biggs, of Sarasota. Biggs was in custody from a November 2020 arrest for Fraud. He is a convicted felon with an extensive history of arrests in Sarasota County.
Investigators say next of kin has been notified. We will update this story as more details are released.
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