25 days ago
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The Lonoke County Sheriff's Department reports 39-year-old Jerry Luker died Sunday at UAMS. Sheriff Jim Roberson says, "We were hoping Mr. Luker would recover from his injuries. The Sheriff's Office will continue to fully assist the Arkansas State Police Investigator's with the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. I and my staff offer our condolences to the family of Mr. Luker."
Lonoke County Sheriff's deputies took Jerry Dale Luker into custody about two weeks ago for a probation violation.
His family spoke to Today's THV Wednesday. For two days, they had waited in Little Rock at UAMS to find out if Jerry Luker would defy the doctors' prognosis and overcome his injuries.
"[He has] severe brain damage. He's got a fractured skull," said Jerry's mom, Brenda Luker.
The Lukers took turns sitting by his side. They're not sure how their son, the father of three, was badly hurt. They do know, whatever happened took place in the Lonoke County jail.
According to Lukers' family, Jerry was admitted into the hospital sometime on Monday. They say they found out through a family friend, and by the time they got there he was unconscious
"They don't expect him to make it," said Brenda Luker when we spoke to her Wednesday.
Deputies took Luker into custody earlier this month, after violating his probation. His parents say his violation was unpaid fines. He was on probation for credit card fraud.
No one with the jail would interview on camera, but Chief Deputy Dean White said they were investigating the incident as possible fall or homicide because Luker wasn't expected to live.
The Lukers heard second-hand that their son was attacked by three other inmates in the bathroom.
"One of the doctors said there's no way you could fall and hit the back of your head and the top of your head all at the same time," explained Jerry Luker.
Jail officials say Luker was housed in a single cell, with about 20 other Department of Correction inmates.
The Lukers want answers from those same officials. "Our son is dying and who can we blame but you," asked Jerry Luker.
Lonoke County Jail officials say they do have cameras, but there are blind spots. They can't record inmates in the shower or in the bathroom. They say that's where most attacks take place.
The Department of Correction says there have been 79 inmate assaults that have resulted in injuries since October 2008. The last murder was in August of last year.
