OSBI investigating in-custody death at Bryan County jail

(DURANT, Okla.) The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is investigating an in-custody death at the Bryan County Jail. 

On March 19, 2022, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the OSBI after an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell. Derek Michael Brandes, 36, was booked into the Bryan County Jail for an outstanding warrant out of Grady County just before 5 p.m. on March 18, 2022. 

Just after 1:30 a.m. on March 19, 2022, Brandes was found in his cell. 

Multiple Bryan County detention officers performed life-saving actions while awaiting EMS arrival. 

Brandes was transported by EMS to Alliance Hospital in Durant, Oklahoma, where he was pronounced deceased.

While in custody, Brandes was in a cell by himself.

Brandes’ cause and manner of death are still under investigation. The OSBI investigation is open and ongoing.