Investigation Begins in Death at Buffalo County Jail

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has requested the assistance of the South Central Area Law Enforcement Services (SCALES) to investigate the death of an adult male inmate at the Buffalo County Jail.  At approximately 4:13 PM on the afternoon of Tuesday April 22, 2025 an adult male inmate was located unresponsive in his cell.  Responding officers called for medical assistance and began life saving efforts.  The inmate was transported by paramedics to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.  The inmate was identified as Jhett Henderson, age 38 of Kearney, NE.  Next of kin have been notified.  Mr. Henderson was being held in custody on six (6) charges of Terroristic Threats.  Preliminary SCALES agencies involved in the investigation are the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office assisted by investigators from the Grand Island and Kearney Police Departments.  SCALES is comprised of 17 law enforcement agencies in south-central Nebraska.     

Due to the death occurring in law enforcement custody, Nebraska state statute requires a grand jury to be convened.  The Buffalo County Attorney has requested an autopsy.  Investigation continues.