Neshoba County Detention Center inmate dies

Authorities are investigating the death of Neshoba County Detention Center inmate Piotr James Gullett, 27, of Starkville who was found unresponsive in his cell and later pronounced dead Saturday evening, Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said.

“Piotr Gullett was observed to be unresponsive in his cell at 6:37 p.m. (Saturday),” Clark said in a press release. “Correctional officers called EMS and immediately began life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived. EMS pronounced Gullett dead at 6:48 p.m. Neshoba County Medical Examiner transported the body to the Mississippi Crime Laboratory in Pearl for an autopsy.”

Clark said next of kin had been notified.

“No foul play is suspected,” Clark said. “The death is not COVID-19 related.”

Gullett had been in custody since May 30, 2021, facing charges of felony fleeing arrest, burglary-dwelling house, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of stolen property and aggravated assault on a police officer, according to Clark’s statement.

“Gullett remained in custody, due to bond denial,” Clark said. “Prisoner deaths are investigated by Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Detention records are not released due to containing confidential medical, security and personnel information.”