Coroner Rules Inmate's Jail Death Homicide

The manner of death for Darius Chappell was ruled homicide in an autopsy report released this week.

Chappell, 34, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Montgomery County Jail on July 3. He was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital. The medical examiner’s report, obtained Wednesday, classifies the death as resulting from a volitional act committed by another person. The term is defined as neutral and does not imply criminal intent, which remains a legal determination.

Chappell’s arrest on June 30 in Clarksville drew public attention after video showed police deploying a K-9 unit. The footage captured Chappell being tased, grabbed by the hair, and bitten by the dog for nearly a minute on Fort Campbell Boulevard. He was detained after deputies spotted a white Chevrolet Tahoe registered to him at a Burger King on June 29. He had an active felony warrant for parole violation tied to a domestic violence incident. After deputies used a taser multiple times, the K-9 was deployed. Chappell was booked into jail on charges including assault on law enforcement and resisting arrest. He was medically cleared at the hospital before booking. He died five days later during a routine security check.

The Clarksville Police Department fired K-9 handler Steven Deering in early September. Deering had been placed on paid administrative leave following the arrest, then moved to unpaid leave. The department stated it will continue to cooperate with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The TBI began its investigation on July 3 at the request of the 19th Judicial District Attorney General. A TBI spokesperson said the investigation remains active and ongoing, with no set timeline for conclusion.

District Attorney General Robert Nash said he plans to meet with the medical examiner within the next two weeks. He intends to use the report’s findings in his deliberations on whether to file charges. Nash described the death as saddening and confirmed the TBI would lead the investigation from that point forward.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the autopsy, citing its own internal review and the TBI’s probe. The office stated that jail medical staff assessed Chappell upon intake and provided care according to established protocols. Staff reported medical concerns to medical personnel during his incarceration.

Chappell’s family disputes the sheriff’s account, saying he did not receive proper treatment after the K-9 bite. A family spokesperson, identified as Bridges, said they want Deering arrested and charged. Gloria Sweet-Love, president of the Tennessee NAACP, called the force used during the arrest and the care in detention unacceptable. She described the misuse of force and lack of concern for the injured detainee as unbelievable.

The TBI will turn its findings over to the district attorney general. The medical examiner’s report is available for public review. Nash will incorporate the autopsy details into his legal review of the case.