INVESTIGATION ONGOING FOLLOWING
THE DEATH OF FORMER JAIL DETAINEE

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 11, 2022) – On June 25, 2022, at approximately 3:10 a.m. Oklahoma County Detention Center staff responded to an inmate-on-inmate altercation in a cell. When staff opened the cell, they discovered Shawn Slavens unconscious but breathing, and they began to render medical aid. Slavens was transported to the hospital. At 6:21 a.m. on July 11, 2022, he passed away at the hospital due to his injuries. His family was aware of his hospitalization and has been notified of his death. Slavens, who was born on July 26, 1975, was booked into the detention center June 24, 2022. He was released from custody following the incident. An investigation into Slavens’ death conducted by the Detention Special Investigations Unit is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be screened with the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office for possible appropriate charges. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will make a final determination as to the cause of death. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations has also been notified and will assist if needed.