MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee state lawmaker is asking the state for more help at 201 Poplar, the Shelby County Jail, after two deaths at the jail in less than a week.

WREG's Brian Didlake spoke with Rep. Justin J. Pearson about why he is calling for more funding to support the sheriff's office.

"We must realize that we're talking about the lives of people, human beings, regardless of if they have committed a crime or not, we have a responsibility to care for them when they're in the care of the state, and right now we are failing woefully at the job," Pearson said.

Pearson is speaking out after sending a letter to the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In it, Pearson requests a meeting to discuss funding needs at the Shelby County Jail.

"Look, we've lost several people at 201 Poplar,

See Full Page