From the offices of Sheriff James A. Singleton:

On Friday at approximately 4:15 pm, Detention officers were notified of an inmate who was unresponsive in his cell. Detention Officers arrived to discover 78-year-old Coy Clayborn sitting on the floor of his cell with a sheet around his neck and the other end tied to the top bunk. Detention Officers immediately removed the sheet from Mr. Clayborn and began CPR and other life saving measures. Pafford EMS responded and was unable to revive the 78-year-old Clayborn.

Hempstead County Coroner David Peters pronounced Clayborn dead at 4:55 pm. Clayborn's body was sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Sheriff has requested the Arkansas State Police Criminal Division to conduct an investigation into the death of Mr. Clayborn.

Coy Clayborn was arrested in August of 2021 on charges of Rape, Sexual indecency with a child, and Sexual Assault in the 2nd degree, involving ongoing sexual abuse of a 6 -10-year-old child. On Wednesday September 28, 2022, a Hempstead County Jury Convicted Clayborn on Four Counts of Sexual Assault in the 2nd degree and assessed a fine of $15,000.00 on each count. Clayborn was also convicted by the jury for Sexual Indecency with a Child fined $10,000.00 and sentenced to 21 months in the Arkansas Department of Correction. The Jury found Clayborn not guilty of the rape charge.

Clayborn was taken to the Hempstead County Detention Center to await transfer to the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Clayborn was housed in a single cell by himself. The Arkansas State Police will submit their findings to the 8th North Prosecuting Attorneys Office. The sheriff’s office is conducting an internal review to determine if policies were followed during Clayborns incarceration.