An autopsy report released Monday about a juvenile who died while in custody at the Sedgwick County Corrections Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC), revealed his cause of death was a homicide. The report says the death was the result of cardiopulmonary arrest sustained after physical struggle while restrained in the prone position.
Cedric Lofton, 17, was booked on September 24, 2021 for four counts of battery on a law enforcement officer by the Wichita Police Department.
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said Lofton's foster father called 911 saying his son was having a mental breakdown. The father wanted his foster son evaluated for mental health issues. While the officers attempted to persuade Lofton to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody, he resisted and assaulted the officers.
After he was booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention faculty, Lofton assaulted JIAC staff members and was restrained. He became unresponsive and EMS was called. They transported him to an area hospital where he died on September 26, 2021.
The autopsy also indicated that Lofton's drug screen was positive for cannabinoids, and he also tested positive for COVID-19.
The Sedgwick County Corrections employees involved in this matter have been placed on paid administrative leave pending results of the District Attorney's investigation.
Due to the active investigation, County officials cannot comment.
