Parker County

Michael Eugene Wells

WEATHERFORD — A sexual assault suspect was found dead in his jail cell at the Parker County Justice Center Sunday night, officials said.

Azle resident Michael Eugene Wells, 53, was discovered slumped over his bunk at 10 p.m., according to a statement from Sheriff Larry Fowler.

Staffers at the jail attempted to revive him using a defibrillator until paramedics arrived. Wells was declared dead about 30 minutes later.

Sheriff Fowler said that Wells — who was jailed on charges of aggravated sexual assault and indecency with a child — had been examined Friday at Weatherford Regional Medical Center for "complications involving his medical history." He was in the jail's medical ward when he collapsed on Sunday.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office issued a preliminary ruling that Wells died of natural causes. A formal ruling is pending.