Baxley, GA— On Wednesday, July 26, 2017, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Douglas Regional Office was requested by Sheriff Mark Melton of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Kelsey Jerome Rayner Sr, an inmate at the Appling County Jail. Rayner Sr was found deceased in his cell at approximately 10:00 PM, by a jailer. GBI was contacted at approximately 10:20 PM. The investigation is in its preliminary stage.

Rayner Sr’s body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Savannah for an autopsy. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information is asked to contact the GBI’s Douglas Regional Office at (912) 389-4103 or the Appling County Sheriff’s Office at (912)367-8120.