AMITE - An inmate was killed in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail after being in custody for less than 12 hours. 

According to Sheriff Daniel Edwards, jail staff responded to a disturbance between offenders late Monday night. Staff found an inmate in need of immediate medical attention and called for emergency crews. The Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office identified the inmate as 40-year-old Tommy Joe Smith. 

Prison staff was unable to revive Smith. 

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department are on scene and an investigation is under way.