Miranda Joiner, 30, Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Winnebago County Jail Cell in Rockford, Illinois - December 7, 2025
A custody death incident occurred on December 7, 2025, at approximately 10:47 PM at the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford, Illinois, resulting in the death of an inmate following emergency medical intervention. According to a press release from the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, correctional officers discovered an unresponsive female inmate in her cell during routine monitoring procedures. Upon discovery of the unresponsive individual, correctional staff and on-site medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures in an attempt to stabilize the inmate's condition. The Rockford Fire Department was subsequently dispatched to the facility to continue resuscitation efforts and provide advanced emergency medical care.
Miranda Joiner, a 30-year-old female, was identified by the Winnebago County Coroner's Office as the inmate who was found unresponsive in her cell. Despite the immediate response from correctional staff, on-site medical personnel, and emergency responders, Joiner was transported to a local emergency department where she was pronounced deceased at 11:27 PM, approximately forty minutes after her initial discovery. The Winnebago County Coroner's Office has initiated a joint investigation with the Winnebago-Boone County Integrity Task Force to determine the circumstances surrounding Joiner's death. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the medical emergency or the events leading up to the incident. No information has been provided concerning the cause or manner of death, and officials have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. The case remains active as investigators work to establish a comprehensive timeline of events and determine the factors that contributed to Joiner's medical emergency and subsequent death while in custody.
