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BEAUMONT — An inmate at the Jefferson County jail is charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of another inmate.

Officials believe the Michelle Cormier, 44, of Vidor smuggled in suspected heroin inside a body cavity. Witnesses told officials the deceased ingested some of the heroin and became unresponsive.

Jefferson County Corrections Officers discovered the unresponsive inmate at approximately 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Emergency medical measures were initiated however the inmate was deceased, according to information from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

As per policy, the Texas Rangers were called in to investigate.  Justice of the Peace Ransom “Duce” Jones ordered an autopsy.  The family of the deceased has been notified.  This is an active investigation being conducted by Texas Rangers as they are awaiting autopsy results.

During the initial investigation, several inmates were interviewed. It was determined that a new inmate had smuggled the suspected drug.

The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Shelbi Ervin of Bridge City.