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Tyger River Correctional Institute Under Investigation After Inmate Deaths

Tyger River Correctional Facility with caution tape

News Summary

The Tyger River Correctional Institute in Spartanburg, SC is facing scrutiny after multiple inmate deaths, raising concerns about health and safety conditions in state correctional facilities. Recent fatalities include 70-year-old Robert Edward Lee and 63-year-old Terry Moore, with ongoing investigations revealing alarming trends and potential negligence in inmate medical care. Community members are seeking accountability and improved safety measures for incarcerated individuals as concerns grow over the facility’s overcrowded and understaffed conditions.

Spartanburg’s Tyger River Correctional Institute Under Investigation After Inmate Deaths

In Spartanburg, South Carolina, the local coroner’s office is currently looking into the recent deaths of several inmates at the Tyger River Correctional Institute. This investigation has spurred public concern as it highlights the serious health and safety issues within the state’s correctional facilities.

A Late Night Call

It all began on a Friday night at around 10:15 p.m. when the coroner was called to the penitentiary to investigate the death of Robert Edward Lee, a 70-year-old inmate. Lee passed away on January 8, and upon examination, authorities found no signs of foul play. The initial findings suggested that he succumbed due to natural disease processes. However, the inquest into his case remains ongoing, as officials take their time to ensure they get to the bottom of this unfortunate situation.

More Tragic News

But Lee isn’t the only inmate to have lost his life recently. Just over the weekend, another inmate, 56-year-old Michael Williams, died at Spartanburg Medical Center. While Williams has been identified by the coroner’s office, the exact cause of death still eludes officials, as they await further forensic testing. This leaves many in the community asking questions about the medical care provided to inmates.

Another Death Raises Concerns

Adding to the growing list of inmate fatalities, 63-year-old Terry Moore died at Tyger River Correctional Institute as well. His death happened on a Sunday morning at 7:22 a.m. Staff reported there were no signs of ill-treatment or abuse, and similar to Lee’s case, investigators noted there was no evidence of foul play involved. A forensic examination has been scheduled for his case to gather more information.

The Bigger Picture

Recent statistics show a troubling trend at Tyger River. Between 2015 and 2021, there were a total of 18 deaths reported within the facility. The situation has only worsened, with two deaths recorded in 2022 and another incident on January 2, 2023. Alarmingly, five inmates have died since the beginning of the year alone, prompting the question of how many more incidents might occur if proper measures aren’t taken.

Legal Actions and Tragic Tales

There is also the heartbreaking case of Lavell Lane, a 29-year-old who died at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Lane, who had battled schizophrenia, experienced a psychotic break prior to his death, which occurred after he was reportedly neglected for hours in his cell. His family has since filed a lawsuit against the county and sheriff’s office, citing negligence due to inadequate medical care.

Last year was especially difficult for the Spartanburg County jail, with a record-breaking six deaths, making 2022 the deadliest year in the facility’s recent history. This alarming statistic begs the question of whether the jail’s persistent issues of being understaffed and overcrowded are compromising the safety and health of inmates, as it regularly holds more inmates than it is equipped to manage.

Looking Ahead

As the coroner’s office looks deeper into these cases, community members are left wondering what changes will be implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those incarcerated. The ongoing investigations promise to shed light on these troubling cases and the conditions that may have contributed to them.

Spartanburg residents are hoping for answers and accountability as these investigations unfold. After all, the health of inmates should be a top priority for any correctional facility.