It’s been a year since 31-year-old Samuel Hayes Jr. died in custody of the St. Louis City Justice Center, and his family and loved ones honored his life with a balloon release Sunday outside the jail.
A couple dozen people held green, blue, silver and gold balloons — some of Hayes’ favorite colors — before releasing them into the air.
“On a count of three — one, two, three — long live Sam Hayes!” the group shouted in unison as they stood outside in the blazing heat. Some held signs that read “No more jail deaths,” and Hayes’ sister, Samantha Hayes, held a life-size cardboard cut-out of her late brother…