News Summary
Michael Lavon Barfield Jr., a 37-year-old inmate at Duval County Jail, died after being hospitalized due to an undisclosed health condition. His death on September 21 raises concerns about the rising number of in-custody fatalities in the facility. Investigations are ongoing regarding the medical care provided in the jail system, as Barfield faced serious charges linked to drug trafficking. His death is the eighth recorded in 2025, spurring scrutiny regarding inmate health protocols within the facility.
Jacksonville, Florida – Michael Lavon Barfield Jr., a 37-year-old inmate, died on September 21, 2025, at a local hospital following his hospitalization that began two weeks earlier on September 18. Barfield had been admitted after complaining about “an existing health condition.” Prior to his hospital stay, he was arrested on September 4 and was housed in the Duval County Jail.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Barfield’s death. This investigation is being carried out in collaboration with the District IV Medical Examiner’s Office. Currently, the specific details of Barfield’s health condition prior to his hospitalization remain undisclosed.
Barfield was facing serious charges related to armed drug trafficking, specifically the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine. His death marks a troubling statistic for the Duval County Jail, marking the eighth in-custody death in 2025. This figure stands in stark contrast to previous years; there were seven in-custody deaths reported in 2024 and fifteen in 2023. This rising trend raises concerns about the safety and health protocols within the jail.
Details of the Incident
Following his arrest on September 4, Barfield was processed and admitted to the Duval County Jail. His condition reportedly worsened, leading to his transfer to a local hospital on September 18. Since his hospitalization, there has been increasing scrutiny regarding the medical treatment provided to inmates within the facility. As the investigation unfolds, more information is anticipated regarding the circumstances leading to his hospitalization and subsequent death.
Implications of In-Custody Deaths
The spike in in-custody deaths at the Duval County Jail has prompted concerns from community members and human rights advocates alike. The rise in numbers from fifteen deaths in 2023 to eight already in 2025 suggests a systemic issue that may need addressing. In-custody deaths raise wider questions about the health care system for incarcerated individuals and the conditions they endure while incarcerated.
The JSO has pledged cooperation with medical professionals to ensure an in-depth examination of Barfield’s case, which they hope will shed light on factors contributing to his death and possibly recommend changes to improve the health and safety of inmates. As investigations proceed, it is essential to scrutinize how incarcerated individuals are cared for and the potential implications of inadequate medical oversight.
Conclusion
The death of Michael Lavon Barfield Jr. highlights ongoing challenges within the Duval County Jail system. As the investigation continues, the community and stakeholders remain attentive to the findings and outcomes that may emerge. The significant increase in deaths within the jail system indicates a need for reflection on policies related to inmate health care and treatment.
Further updates are expected as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the District IV Medical Examiner’s Office progress with their investigation. Community members are urged to stay informed as these developments unfold.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Inmate Dies Due to Health Conditions
- Action News JAX: Inmate Dies After Hospitalization
- News4JAX: Federal Investigation into Jail Death
- Fox 35 Orlando: Charles Faggart Jail Death
- Wikipedia: In-custody deaths
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
