By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Rowan County man who has been in the county jail since his January arrest on murder charges was found with a weapon made out of a shaved-down toothbrush, authorities said.

Joshua Wade Kennedy, 35, was charged Wednesday with felony possession of a dangerous weapon in prison. He was issued an additional $2,000 secured bond.

Kennedy was already being held with no bond on charges of murdering 25-year-old Lakyn Bailey.

Bailey was killed in what the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said was a methamphetamine deal that turned violent.

Prison officials discovered the toothbrush with the handle filed down in Kennedy’s cell. He admitted it belonged to him.

According to a report, Kennedy told officers he was using it to pack paper into an abscessed tooth and that he did not have ill intent. 

Sheriff’s Capt. John Sifford said the jail provides medical care to inmates and they have an on-call nurse who can evaluate inmates and refer them for further treatment.