On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at about 5:15 p.m., 27-year-old Joseph Shields was found nonresponsive in an intake cell at the Washington County Jail. Correction Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures and called for emergency medical services. Attempts to revive Shields were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North was contacted to investigate the in-custody death. In addition to the Maine State Police, the Maine Department of Corrections will thoroughly review all jail procedures, which is standard practice in situations like this.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death after an autopsy is completed in Augusta.
Any further inquiries should be directed to the Maine State Police Major Crimes North.