Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on January 25, 2024, at approximately 8:16 a.m., Linn County Jail Deputies were notified that an adult in custody was having medical issues. Deputies responded to the medical issue and found Paula Skyles-Lutzi, 51, of Lebanon, was unresponsive. Deputies immediately began CPR and called for paramedics. The Albany Fire Department responded and continued CPR and life saving measures but were unsuccessful.
Per standard protocol, Sheriff Duncan requested the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the investigation in conjunction with the Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Paula Skyles-Lutzi had been in the custody of the Linn County Jail since January 22, 2024, for a probation violation.