Newly obtained video shows events that led to the death of a Missouri inmate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Late last year, a new video was released showing the death of a Missouri inmate.

This came after a months-long investigation into Othel Moore's death resulted in the firing of several guards. The Missouri Department of Corrections has made several changes following Othel Moore's death, but his family continues their legal battle, filing a new lawsuit just last week.

A grand jury indicted four former Jefferson City Correctional Center officers, who pleaded not guilty. Charges were dropped against a fifth guard. In this case, criminal and civil proceedings are ongoing. There are currently no court dates scheduled.

Video released today shows the moments leading up to the death of 38-year-old Othel Moore at the Jefferson City Correctional Facility on December 8, 2023.

The incident began when a team arrived to search several inmates. In the video, Othel Moore can be seen in a restraint device, as well as wearing a spit mask and a helmet. It's not shown on the video, but lawyers said he was pepper-sprayed and guards put a hood over his head before restraining him.

As guards watched, Othel Moore struggled to breathe in the restraint device for more than 30 minutes. He can be seen lowering his head before medical staff arrive to check on him.

The Cole County Sheriff's Office investigation into the death of Othel Moore concluded on June 28. It was determined that the restraint system used on Moore caused his death.

The Missouri Department of Corrections said it is no longer using that restraint system because of the incident, and the department has implemented a body camera system for accountability. Following the sheriff's investigation and an internal investigation, ten people involved in the incident were released from the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

In a statement, the Missouri Department of Corrections said, “We take seriously our responsibility to provide the safest possible environment and will not tolerate any behavior or conditions that endanger the well-being of Missourians who work or live in our facilities.”

Othel Moore had been serving a 30-year prison sentence since May 2005 for assault, robbery and drug offenses as well as assaulting an inmate or a correctional facility official.

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