Under investigation: Woman dies in custody

BONNERS FERRY — A Boundary County woman died in late October after suffering a medical emergency at the Boundary County Jail, Boundary County Sheriff’s officials said.

Denise Overton, 52, died Oct. 28 while serving a 25-day sentence.

Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer told the Herald that Overton had a medical emergency and life-saving measures were not successful. He added that BCSO has requested the Idaho State Police to investigate the incident.

ISP has been contacted, but has not released more information due to confidentiality protocols and exemptions from disclosure.

Savanna Sawyer, Overton’s daughter, said she was notified of her mother’s death on Oct. 29 by Overton’s boyfriend. She told the Herald she attempted to contact the jail and did not have her mother’s death confirmed until 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Sawyer said she had been in contact with Overton as she was in jail through her “chirp” account, which allows inmates to communicate with family members and their attorney.

“She was only 52 and it has left me feeling even worse than losing your mom could feel in more usual circumstances,” Sawyer said.