KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The TBI is investigating the circumstances behind the death Tuesday of a Knox County inmate.
Corrections officers found Joshua D. Evans, 26, of Knoxville dead at the Knox County Detention Facility on Maloneyville Road, according to the TBI.
The agency became involved at the request of Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen.
"His body was sent for an autopsy. At this time, the investigation remains active and ongoing," a statement Friday from the TBI's Leslie Earhart reads.
The Sheriff's Office, which operates the jail, referred questions to the TBI.
Family members contacted 10News on Friday seeking answers about Evans' death.
He was charged with theft, vandalism, assault and resisting arrest for incidents that took place around Christmas in South Knox County. One resident reported confronting Evans in his garage where he appeared to be stealing items.
A deputy alleged Evans fought with him when he was arrested. Early Christmas morning while Evans was in custody, records state, Evans assaulted and fought with a jail officer.
Charges against Evans were abated this week in the Knox County court system because of his death.