Coroner announces inquest into Cairo death

CAIRO, Ill. --The death of Demetrius Flowers Dec. 14 in the Cairo city jail will get a public airing during a coroner's inquest later this month, but a family member said Thursday she remains skeptical whether all the details will be revealed.

Alexander County Coroner David Barkett announced on Thursday that he would conduct the inquest April 21. Under Illinois law, a coroner's jury of six people will rule on the cause of death after hearing the evidence.

"It shouldn't have taken four months for an inquest," said Melinda Flowers, sister of Demetrius Flowers.

Melinda Flowers said she is skeptical about the need for the delay and whether all the relevant evidence will be presented. "I can't do nothing but wait until the 21st to see exactly what they might have."

Flowers' death has generated tension between the police and the public in Cairo, a town already beleaguered by nonstop infighting in city hall and a legacy of poor race relations.

Flowers, 38, was discovered dead in a holding cell approximately five hours after he had been arrested on suspicion of battery and obstructing an officer. Barkett initially ruled that he died of strangulation. Flowers was reportedly found with a shoelace around his throat.

Barkett could not be reached Thursday for comments about the inquest.

In the aftermath of the death, Cairo Mayor Paul Farris suspended three officers and two dispatchers. He reinstated an officer and a dispatcher after they admitted they had not followed proper procedures for securing Flowers' personal possessions and watching over prisoners.

The Illinois State Police investigated the death. A report on the investigation was turned over to State's Attorney Jeff Farris in February, but he has declined to reveal the contents.

Barkett recently won the Democratic primary for sheriff of Alexander County. Melinda Flowers said she's convinced Barkett wanted to delay the inquest until after the election to avoid controversy. "I am skeptical about it all," she said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126