RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman in custody at the Riley County Jail.
Just before 8:30a.m Saturday, Laura Pearce, 38, Manhattan, was found unresponsive in her single cell by Corrections Officers who immediately began lifesaving measures, according to a media release from the RCPD.
Riley County EMS was dispatched at 8:26 a.m. and arrived at 8:32 a.m. After lifesaving measures were continued by paramedics, Pearce was pronounced dead on scene at 8:52 a.m.
The RCPD is actively working with the KBI to provide all the information they need for a thorough investigation. At this time, officials believe the death was caused by suicide. No evidence of foul play has been found at this time, according to the release.
Per state statute, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) will be the lead agency investigating the death.
Pearce was extradited to the Riley County Jail on March 25, 2023, after being arrested in Marion County, Ohio on her Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated interference with parental custody.