The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has requested the assistance of SCALES to investigate the death of an adult male inmate at the Buffalo County Jail. At approximately 0720 AM on the morning of Tuesday June 13, 2023 an inmate was located unresponsive in his cell. Responding officers called for medical assistance and began life saving efforts. The inmate was transported by paramedics to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. The inmate was identified as Craig A. Martin, age 55 of Kearney, NE. Next of kin have been notified. Mr. Martin was being held in custody on two counts of Failure to Appear. Preliminary SCALES agencies involved in the investigation are the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Kearney Police Department. SCALES is the South Central Area Law Enforcement Services and comprised of 14 law enforcement agencies in south-central Nebraska.
Due to the death occurring in law enforcement custody, Nebraska state statute requires a grand jury to be convened. The Buffalo County Attorney has requested an autopsy. Investigation continues.