Illinois Authorities Investigate Death of 40-Year-Old Inmate at Winnebago Co. Jail

An investigation is underway after an inmate at the Winnebago County Jail was found unresponsive and later died.

Incident Overview

According to the press release, correctional officers at the Winnebago County Jail found a female inmate unresponsive in her cell around 4 am on Wednesday morning (3/5).

Medical personnel who were on-site at the jail assisted corrections officers as they immediately began lifesaving measures on the woman, who later was identified as 40-year-old inmate Tonya Gonzalez.

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Rockford Fire Department paramedics transported Ms. Gonzalez to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead at 4:37 am, according to the WCSO press release.

Investigation Launched Into Death of Female Inmate

An investigation is underway by the Winnebago-Boone County Integrity Task Force which will look into circumstances surrounding the death of Tonya Gonzalez.

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The Winnebago County Coroner's Office has completed an autopsy that's awaiting further studies, and as of now, no additional details have been released regarding the cause of death or any events leading up to her being found unresponsive.

Previous Incident at Winnebago County Jail

This isn't the first time an inmate at the Winnebago County Jail has died while incarcerated.

According to HorwitzLaw.com, 44-year-old Christian Littrell also died after being found unresponsive in the Winnebago County Jail in August 2022.

These incidents raise concerns about the welfare of inmates at the Winnebago County Jail, with further details to come as the investigation into Tonya Gonzalez's death is ongoing.

This story is continuing to develop and will be updated as more information becomes available.