Woman dies in Muscogee County Jail, found unresponsive in her cell, sheriff says

A 20-year-old woman has died while in the Muscogee County Jail, according to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

Countryman identified the woman as a 20-year-old Black female. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the woman as Xaniya Muse. Bryan said he doesn’t suspect foul play.

Countryman said the woman was found unresponsive in her cell. Columbus Fire & EMS and the coroner responded to the scene, according to Countryman.

The GBI has been called in to investigate the incident, as is standard protocol, according to Countryman.

“The MCSO Special Operations Investigators will work a parallel investigation alongside the GBI, “Countryman said. “Any further information regarding this investigation will be provided by the GBI.”

The GBI confirmed to the Ledger-Enquirer they were requested Saturday by the MCSO to assist with a death investigation.

“The case is active,” the GBI said. “No other information can be released at this time.”.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.