Investigation Launched After Jail Inmate Died In Custody

An investigation is underway after the death of a 48-year-old inmate at the Iberia Parish Jail. The man, Malcolm Menard of New Iberia , was found yesterday afternoon hanging from a telephone cord in the cell where he was being held.

Capt. Wendell Raborn said the inmate was arrested earlier in the day after reports that he was approaching cars and appeared to be intoxicated. He was booked with disturbing the peace by intoxication and battery on a police officer.

Deputies serving meals allegedly discovered Menard hanging by a telephone cord in the cell at 4:20 pm and immediately began CPR. He was pronounced dead after being transferred to Iberia Medical Center.