December 23, 2020

FORT MADISON, Iowa - On December 22, members of the Lee County Jail, while performing jail cell checks, discovered an unresponsive female inmate. The inmate, identified as Stacy Lynn Heston, age 50, was the lone occupant of the cell. Jail staff performed CPR and administered an AED in efforts to revive Heston.

Ms. Heston was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was summoned to the scene and is currently investigating the incident with the assistance from the detectives of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy to be performed at a later date. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Ms. Heston had turned herself into the jail earlier this same day to begin a jail sentence of 59 days. 

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov