Monroe Police custody death investigation handed to DA

The Northeast Louisiana Sheriff's Investigative Unit concluded its probe into the in-custody death of David Harris and submitted the case to the district attorney's office.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.The investigation into David Harris' in-custody death has raised questions about police accountability and the need for transparency in such cases.Monroe Today

The Northeast Louisiana Sheriff's Investigative Unit has concluded its 8-week investigation into the in-custody death of 51-year-old David Harris and has submitted the case to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office for full review. Harris died on April 3, 2020, after being taken into custody by Monroe Police, who said he became combative during transport and suffered a medical emergency.

Why it matters

The death of David Harris while in Monroe Police custody has raised concerns in the community about transparency and accountability. The case has been closely watched by Harris' family and local civil rights advocates, who have called for a thorough and impartial investigation.

The details

According to police, Monroe officers encountered Harris acting erratically on April 3, 2020, and took him into custody without incident. However, during transport, Harris became combative and suffered a medical emergency, despite officers' life-saving efforts. The Monroe Police Department immediately requested that the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office investigate the death, and the case was later handed to the newly formed Northeast Louisiana Sheriff's Investigative Unit.

  • The Northeast Louisiana Sheriff's Investigative Unit conducted an 8-week investigation into Harris' death.
  • Harris died on April 3, 2020, while in Monroe Police custody.
  • The investigative unit announced the conclusion of its probe and the referral to the district attorney's office on April 8, 2026.

The players

David Harris

A 51-year-old man who died in Monroe Police custody on April 3, 2020.

Northeast Louisiana Sheriff's Investigative Unit

A multi-parish law enforcement team that conducted the investigation into Harris' death and submitted the case to the district attorney's office.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial authority that will now review the investigative unit's findings.

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What they’re saying

“We don't really know what law enforcement is handling this particular case, because they have not been transparent with us. They have not been forthright and forthcoming, at least allowing the family to sit down with them to find out what happened to David Harris.”

— Carol Powell Lexing, Local attorney

“I want to know what happened to my father. I had some sleepless nights, but God had the last say and the last answer.”

— David Ruff, Son of David Harris

What’s next

Details in this case could be released as early as next week, once the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office has reviewed the investigative unit's findings.

The takeaway

The death of David Harris while in Monroe Police custody has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, and the community will be closely watching as the district attorney's office reviews the investigative unit's findings to determine if any further action is warranted.