UPDATE: A 51-year-old inmate has died at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center in Charlotte, prompting an urgent investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Sandi Hill was found unresponsive in her cell on the night of November 4, 2023, and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center.
This tragic incident marks the third death at the facility since August, raising serious concerns about the welfare of inmates. Detention officers and emergency services responded to Hill’s cell at approximately 11:40 p.m., with resuscitation efforts continuing en route to the hospital. Unfortunately, she could not be saved and passed away shortly after her arrival.
In a heartfelt statement, 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.”
The sheriff’s office has since notified Hill’s family and confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Hill had been in custody since May 23, facing a charge of common law robbery. Specific details regarding her health have not been disclosed, adhering to federal privacy laws. This incident follows the recent deaths of two male inmates at the same facility, one occurring in early August and another at the end of that month, further heightening scrutiny over the detention center’s conditions.
The SBI’s involvement is standard for in-custody fatalities, and the medical examiner’s findings will be crucial in determining the exact cause of Hill’s death. As this investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of these events and the treatment of individuals in custody.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available. The urgency of this matter calls for immediate attention and scrutiny from officials and the public alike.
