News Summary

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation into the death of an inmate at Aiken County Detention Center. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Coroner’s Office are involved in assessing the situation. While preliminary findings suggest no suspicious circumstances, an autopsy will be conducted as officials seek to uncover the truth about the inmate’s death, which marks the first fatality at the facility in over a year.

Investigation Underway Following Inmate Death at Aiken County Detention Center

Aiken, SC – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Aiken County Detention Center, which occurred on Wednesday. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office are assisting with the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The identity of the departed inmate has not been released, as authorities are waiting to inform the next of kin. While details are still emerging, preliminary reports indicate that there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances related to the inmate’s death. This news comes as a significant development, marking the first reported death at the detention center in over a year.

Prior to this incident, the last death recorded at the facility involved 34-year-old Tony Muldrow from Florence, South Carolina. Muldrow passed away in March 2024 due to a medical emergency while in custody. After becoming unresponsive, he was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers at around 5:22 a.m., where he was later pronounced dead within the hour.

As part of the ongoing investigation into the most recent inmate’s death, an autopsy is expected to be conducted. Both local and state authorities are working to gather all necessary information regarding the incident. The investigation aims to address any concerns and establish the exact cause of death.

The Aiken County Detention Center has faced scrutiny in the past concerning inmate welfare and safety protocols. The facility is responsible for housing individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for various offenses, and it operates under strict regulations to ensure the health and safety of its inmates.

The current investigation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing correctional facilities and the importance of maintaining oversight to prevent incidents that may endanger inmate lives, even in circumstances not deemed suspicious. With both SLED and the Coroner’s Office on board, stakeholders are hopeful that a comprehensive review will provide clarity in this case.

As the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, officials encourage anyone with related information to come forward. Authorities stress the need for transparency and accountability within the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals in custody.

This recent incident raises questions about health protocols within detention centers and the measures in place to respond to medical emergencies. It underscores the critical need for facilities to provide adequate health care and monitoring for inmates, particularly those with pre-existing conditions or vulnerabilities.

Further updates regarding the investigation and the findings of the planned autopsy are expected to be released as authorities continue to piece together the situation surrounding this tragic incident. The community remains alert as they await answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Inmate Dies at Aiken County Detention Center
• Wikipedia: Inmate
• WJBF: Inmate Dies in Aiken County Detention Center
• Google Search: Aiken County Detention Center inmate death
• WFXG: Inmate Death Under Investigation at Aiken County Detention Center
• Google Scholar: Aiken County Detention Center inmate death
• Post and Courier: Aiken County Inmate Death
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Detention Center
• Augusta Press: Inmate Death at Aiken County Detention Center Under Investigation
• Google News: Aiken County Detention Center

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.