Family and friends gathered Monday afternoon in search of answers as to why Michael Jones died in an Iberia parish jail.

Jones, who was arrested Friday by the Abbeville police, was transported to Iberia Parish by the Abbeville police because Abbeville does not have a holding facility or a jail to place prisoners.

While in custody of Iberia Parish, Mouton died. Family members want to know how a healthy 43-year-old died.

In front of the Abbeville police station on Charity Street, close to 30 friends and family members gathered to protest his death on. For about 90 minutes, they marched in front of the police station, which was closed because of President’s Day.

Wilda Jones, Michael’s mother, said, “I would like to know how my son died.”

Wilda and family members said they saw deputies of the Abbeville police department beat and Taser Jones.

Abbeville Police Chief Rick Coleman did not want to comment about the case.

Rev. Raymond Brown, speaking for the family said, “Our loved one has been murdered, murdered by a Taser.”

Wayne Landry, friends of the family and an Abbeville City Councilman said, “We want a thorough investigation.”

Brown said the family requested to see Michael after his death, but were told no. Brown said racism was the reason why there is a cover-up.

“They don’t want you to see the body because his body is in such bad shape.”