The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has updated its policy to stop publicly releasing details on inmate deaths classified as natural causes, aiming to respect families’ privacy. This change, announced recently, follows a vigil marking the third anniversary of D’Angelo Brown’s 2022 death at Al Cannon Detention Center, ruled a homicide from medical neglect.
Policy Details
CCSO confirmed the shift applies only to natural deaths, while promising thorough investigations into all inmate fatalities, including recent cases like Mark Walker’s on December 6, 2025. The office clarified it will maintain transparency through probes by agencies like the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Vigil and Activism
The Lowcountry Action Committee (LAC) held a vigil on December 29 at Ralph M. Hendricks Park in North Charleston, honoring 23 inmate deaths over the past decade and calling for community oversight of police operations. Organizers like Shaquille Fontenot urged reallocating funds to mental health and education to prevent such incidents.
Key Past Cases
D’Angelo Brown died from E. coli sepsis due to gross medical neglect after repeated pleas for food and safety were ignored. Mary Brucato’s August 2025 death from fentanyl/cocaine withdrawal was also ruled homicide, marking the 18th such fatality in 10 years.
Broader Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice opened a 2023 civil rights probe into Al Cannon for issues like medical neglect, use of force, and solitary confinement practices amid multiple deaths. LAC pushes for a citizen-led council to review police hiring and responses, replacing armed officers with mental health experts for certain calls.
