BARTOW, FL — A 57 year old female inmate, identified as Essie Ward, was found unresponsive in her cell at the Central County Jail in Bartow on Thursday, April 3, 2025, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Nursing staff provided medical aid until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived, but Ward was pronounced deceased by EMS personnel.
Authorities reported no signs of foul play during the search of Ward’s cell or upon examination of her body. The District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy, with the cause of death pending toxicology results. The PCSO stated that the death is believed to be medical-related, though specific details are withheld due to HIPAA regulations.
Ward was in custody on multiple charges filed by the Auburndale Police Department, Iincluding Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. Sheriff’s officials noted that Ward had an extensive criminal record, having been booked into the Polk County Jail 22 times and serving five sentences in Florida State Prison.
As per standard procedure, three investigations are underway: an internal review by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit, a death investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and an autopsy conducted by the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the manner and cause of death. The findings from these investigations will be submitted to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for review.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details at this time, citing ongoing investigations and privacy regulations. Nothing further at this time.
