UPDATE: A critical investigation is underway following the tragic death of an inmate at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sandi Hill, aged 51, was discovered unresponsive in her cell on Saturday night, with authorities confirming her passing shortly after arriving at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center.
Law enforcement officials reported that emergency services responded to the medical emergency at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Saturday. Despite attempts to resuscitate her during transport, Hill was pronounced dead soon after her arrival, raising urgent questions about conditions within the facility. This marks the third inmate death at the detention center since August 2023, intensifying concerns over inmate care and safety.
Sheriff Garry McFadden expressed his sorrow in an official statement, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Ms. Hill, who was in our custody.” The sheriff’s office has promptly notified Hill’s family and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation led by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Hill had been in custody since May 23, 2023, facing charges of common law robbery. Due to federal privacy laws, her health history remains undisclosed, which is standard in such cases. The SBI’s involvement is a routine procedure following any death in custody, and the medical examiner will determine the exact cause of Hill’s death, a process that could reveal critical insights into her deteriorating condition.
Concerns surrounding the detention center have been highlighted by the recent fatalities of two male inmates, with one death occurring in early August and another later that month. The frequency of these incidents is drawing scrutiny from advocates and community members alike, who are calling for immediate reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
This developing story underscores a pressing need for transparency and accountability within the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. As more information becomes available, officials and the public alike await the findings of the SBI’s investigation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
