Some 777 prisoners in state jails and prisons died between 2015 and 2021, according to a new report by researchers at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
“Of the 777 deaths statewide analyzed by researchers, 109 of the people had not been convicted of a crime but were awaiting trial,” according to a story in The State newspaper. “More than 500 of the deaths were attributed to medical reasons. Almost 90 were deaths by suicide.”
The analysis looked at data from 52 facilities from prisons to local detention centers. Facilities in Richland County were where 301 people died, the report said, with the largest number (160) at Kirkland Correctional Institution.
CP OPINION, Brack: 2026 race for governor already underway
“All you have to do to know that the race to be the GOP candidate for governor in 2026 has already started is to answer this question: Why is state Attorney General Alan Wilson constantly at the double murder trial of disbarred lawyer Alex Murdaugh?”
In other headlines:
Prosecutor hammers Murdaugh on where he was during killings. Disbarred lawyer and accused double murderer Alex Murdaugh concluded his testimony Friday during a brutal cross-examination about where he was on the night his wife and younger son were killed. The trial in Colleton County starts its sixth week today. Here are highlights from week 5 of the trial.
State gas prices fall below $3 per gallon. The state’s average price of gas dropped to $2.97 per gallon, a decrease of 4.5 cents over last week’s average.
Vice President Harris to visit S.C. today. She’ll talk about internet expansion in the Palmetto State’s rural areas.
Clyburn visits Ravenel church in honor of Black History Month. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., visited this Ravenel church in honor of Lent and Black History Month.
Photo essay — Ukraine, one year later. See photos taken by Charleston resident Jamie Price in Kyiv on the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
USC Lady Gamecocks take SEC title. With a 76-63 win over Georgia, the undefeated No. 1 Gamecocks nabbed another SEC title.
New report says hurricane damage will grow in future. Coastal areas like South Carolina are expected to see big increases in hurricane damages in the future as storms become bigger, stronger and push inland more, according to a new report.
Federal appeals court reverses port ruling. A federal appellate court has reversed its earlier denial of a State Ports Authority request for an expedited hearing on a labor dispute involving Leatherman Terminal. Now, both sides must file briefs by May 26.
Charleston projects another big visitor season. The thousands of people who roamed and shopped during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition highlights how the 2024 visitor season is likely to be pretty good.
To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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