Island inmate death may have been from dehydration

COUPEVILLE — Initial tests indicate that an Island County Jail inmate may have died from dehydration, according to a statement released Sunday.

However, it could take several more weeks to confirm what caused Keaton Farris’ death.

“Any further comments at this time would be speculative,” Island County Coroner Robert Bishop wrote in Sunday’s press release.

Farris, 25, was found dead in his cell on Wednesday. Two Island County sheriff’s deputies were put on paid leave the next day. An investigation is underway into alleged policy violations.

Sheriff Mark Brown has declined to provide any additional details about the investigation or the circumstances surrounding Farris’ death.

Farris was booked into the jail on March 26. He was awaiting a mental health evaluation to determine if he was competent to assist with his own defense, according to court papers.

Prosecutors alleged that Farris forged a stolen check and charged him with identity theft.

Farris has addresses listed in court papers in Coupeville and on Lopez Island.

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