Andre Ford / Photo from Cook County Sheriff’s office
BY JORDAN OWEN
Sun-Times Media
A man charged with murder in the 2013 death of his 8-year-old daughter died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday at the Cook County Jail complex, authorities said.
Andre Ford had been in custody since Sept. 16, 2013, when he was charged with murder in the death his 8-year-old daughter Gizzell Ford, authorities said.
Gizzell’s grandmother, 51-year-old Helen Ford, was also charged with murder and is being held without bond.
Paramedics found Gizzell’s body — covered with cuts, scratches and bruises — July 12, 2013, at the apartment the three shared in the 5200 block of West Adams Street, authorities said.
Prosecutors alleged Andre Ford watched as his daughter was denied food, water, sleep and the use of the bathroom.
Andre Ford, 29, died at the jail’s Cermak Hospital at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Cook County Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Cara Smith said Andre Ford died from an apparent heart attack thought to be related to a chronic medical condition. The Chicago Sun-Times previously reported that he suffered from a disease that involved the build-up of scar tissue on the skin.
An autopsy is scheduled for later Wednesday.