The inmate who died in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail earlier this week has now been identified.

Shaquille James Staples, 31, died Monday at UAB Hospital after he suffered a medical event at the jail, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the inmate had an undisclosed type of medical event at the downtown Birmingham lockup shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday that was witnessed by others.

He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:15 p.m.

The cause of his death is still under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Staples had been in the jail since May 15, 2024.

Court records show he pleaded guilty Feb. 20, 2025, to unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and attempting to elude. He had been sentenced to seven years in prison, with one year to serve.