ST. GABRIEL, La. — The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking into the recent deaths of two inmates at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, raising concerns about safety and conditions within the facility. The inmates, Kavon Matthews and Michael Johnson, succumbed to unknown causes within a week of each other, prompting an official investigation.
Matthews, who had been serving time for simple burglary offenses from Orleans Parish, died on October 16. The following day, Johnson, who was incarcerated for armed robbery and was serving a life sentence from East Baton Rouge Parish, also passed away. Both deaths are now the subject of autopsy examinations, with toxicology reports still awaited.
In a troubling development, another inmate reportedly attempted suicide on October 18 but is currently recovering. This incident has further escalated concerns regarding the rising number of health crises within the facility.
The Elayn Hunt Correctional Center has faced scrutiny in the past. Reports surfaced in August 2024, when staff members claimed the facility was grappling with drug-related issues. Moreover, an inmate death reported in September 2025 has compounded the concerns surrounding the center, though the identity of that inmate has not been disclosed.
In response to these alarming reports, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has directed the Louisiana State Police to conduct an investigation into the circumstances at the correctional facility. This move signifies a heightened focus on inmate welfare and accountability within Louisiana’s prison system.
The troubling trend of inmate mortality and safety incidents signals a critical moment for correctional facilities in the state. As investigations continue, the community watches closely, hoping for transparency and improvements in a system tasked with rehabilitation.