Newark, OH – Authorities in Licking County are investigating the death of an inmate at the county’s Justice Center after an apparent fall earlier this week.
According to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, staff at the Licking County Justice Center responded to a medical emergency on October 13, 2025, in one of the housing dormitories. Deputies found inmate Gregory Schaefer, 69, with a serious head injury. Life-saving measures were initiated, and Schaefer was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Officials said Schaefer had been arrested on October 10 on an aggravated menacing and domestic violence warrant. He completed intake and suicide screening before being placed in a housing dormitory.
On October 13, after attending a court hearing where his bond was set, Schaefer was reportedly served a civil protection order. Upon returning to his assigned dormitory, authorities said Schaefer jumped from a stairway railing, resulting in a fatal injury.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the incident was captured on facility surveillance video. The investigation remains ongoing and will be reviewed by the Ohio Bureau of Adult Detection upon completion.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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