Associated Press
CHIPLEY, Fla. — Authorities say a former corrections officer accused in a prison beating has taken his own life.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says James Kirkland died Saturday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The News Herald of Panama City reports Kirkland was one of six correctional officers arrested and fired from their positions at the Northwest Florida Reception Center in September. They were accused in a prison beating.
Five officers were charged with malicious felony batter on an inmate. Officials say Kirkland, a captain, faced additional charges of official misconduct.
The newspaper reported that video showed 31-year-old inmate Jeremiah L. Tatum being slammed face-first in the concrete floor while his hands and ankles were restrained.