An inmate's death at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center has sparked an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Sandi Hill, 51, was found unresponsive in her cell on Saturday night and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, as reported by QC News. The event marks the third fatality at the facility since August, raising concerns about the conditions for those in custody.
Detention officers and emergency services responded to the medical emergency in Hill's cell around 11:40 p.m. Attempts to resuscitate her continued en route to Novant Presbyterian Medical Center, however, Hill passed away shortly after her arrival. Sheriff Garry McFadden expressed his condolences, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Ms. Hill, who was in our custody," in a statement obtained by WCNC. The sheriff's office has notified Hill's family and has pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Hill had been detained since May 23, on a charge of common law robbery. Her health information has not been disclosed due to federal privacy laws. Previous incidents at the detention center include the deaths of two male inmates, one in early August and the other at the end of the same month, details of which were reported by QCity Metro.
The SBI's involvement is standard procedure for any in-custody death. The medical examiner's role will be to determine the precise cause of Hill's death, a process that could provide crucial insights into the circumstances leading up to her passing.
