The DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller determined the cause of death of an inmate of the DeKalb County Jail to be asphyxiation by hanging after Monday’s autopsy.

Brandi L. Brantley, 19, was found at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday, unconscious on the floor covered with a blanket, with a telephone cord wrapped around her neck. She was transported to Kishwaukee Hospital by ambulance where she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott said Brantley was found in a visitation room while waiting to be booked into the regular jail.

Scott said the room is often used for inmates waiting to be booked into the jail. He said employees walk by the room on a regular basis escorting inmates, and there is a camera in the room.

Scott said he could not say whether there was anything on tape, as they “are still investigating and gathering evidence” on the case. According to court documents, Brantley had a history with DeKalb law enforcement involving drug and alcohol-related charges going back as far as 2004.
Miller said toxicology reports will be ready in a couple weeks.

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