ST. GABRIEL, La. — The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the deaths of two inmates from the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, which have raised serious concerns about conditions within the facility. The separate incidents occurred just days apart, with inmates Kavon Matthews and Michael Johnson dying on October 16 and 17, respectively.
Matthews was serving two sentences for simple burglary from Orleans Parish, while Johnson was serving a life sentence for armed robbery from East Baton Rouge Parish. Their unexpected passings have prompted officials to request autopsies to ascertain the causes of death. As investigations continue, toxicology reports for both men, as well as a third inmate who reportedly attempted suicide shortly after, remain pending.
Sources have revealed that the situation at the correctional facility has been troubling, with allegations regarding drug-related issues surfacing as far back as August 2024. Additionally, in September 2025, a significant error occurred when an inmate was mistakenly released, leading to his subsequent death shortly thereafter. These incidents have underscored growing concerns about inmate safety and operational oversight at the center.
In light of these events, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has ordered the Louisiana State Police to conduct an independent investigation into the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. This directive comes amid increasing scrutiny of the facility’s management and practices, raising questions about how these deaths could have taken place without prior intervention.
Officials at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections have pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, stressing their commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all inmates in their custody.
As the investigations proceed, the families of both deceased inmates have expressed grief and a desire for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ deaths. They are awaiting answers, hoping for clarity in a situation that many believe reflects broader systemic issues within the state’s correctional system.
The community remains on alert, with many advocating for reforms aimed at improving conditions within state prisons and jails. Calls for accountability and enhanced safety measures are likely to intensify as the inquiry unfolds.