The Indiana State Police began an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Huntington County Jail after Nicholas Parks, 42, of Bunker Hill, IN was found unresponsive around 3:00 a.m. on October 22, 2022.
This investigation has led to additional charges on three inmates currently incarcerated in the Huntington County Jail.
- Michael Kelly Jr., 22 of Huntington, IN was arrested for Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony, Aiding in Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony, Trafficking, Level 5 Felony, and Dealing a Narcotic Drug, Level 5 Felony.
- Jacob Lee Landon Johnson, 40 of Huntington, IN was arrested for Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony and Aiding in Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony.
- Nicholas Ryan Shepperd, 36 of Huntington, IN was arrested for Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony and Aiding in Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony.
This investigation also resulted in a search warrant being served at a residence in the 400 block of Garfield Street in Huntington, IN on October 28, 2022.
This search warrant resulted in the arrest of Duane Barnes, 41 of Huntington, IN for:
- Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony
- Aiding in Dealing a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony
- Possession of a Narcotic Drug With the Intent to Deliver, Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine With the Intent to Deliver, Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony
- Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, Level 3 Felony
- Aiding in Trafficking With an Inmate, Level 5 Felony
Barnes was taken to the Huntington County Jail.
The Huntington Police Department assisted with this investigation.
The final autopsy report and toxicology results for Parks is still pending.
Jail staff found inmate Nicholas Parks, 42, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, unresponsive at approximately 3:30a on October 22.
Jail staff immediately attempted medical resuscitation until EMS personnel arrived and took over emergency medical treatment. On scene treatment was unsuccessful.
Parks was pronounced dead by the Huntington County Coroner at the jail.
ISP Detectives stated that there did not appear to be any sign of physical altercation or struggle.
Parks has had previous medical problems in the past.
Toxicology and autopsy results to determine cause/manner of death are pending with the Huntington County Coroner’s Office.
