Mary Brucato’s death at the Al Cannon Detention Center has been officially ruled a homicide due to complications from fentanyl and cocaine withdrawal, compounded by alleged medical neglect. This marks the 18th inmate death at the facility over the past decade, fueling activist demands for accountability.​​
Incident Details
Brucato, a 23-year-old from Ladson, was found unresponsive in her cell on August 11, 2025, and pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response efforts. The Charleston County Coroner attributed the cause to fentanyl intoxication, recent cocaine use, and neglect, prompting her family to explore a lawsuit. No arrests have occurred, making this the second homicide ruling without charges at the jail.​​
Activist Concerns
Matt Colburn of the Lowcountry Action Committee called the death a “murder by negligence,” citing ignored witness statements and poor conditions like post-partum lockdowns. The group held a vigil in June to honor past victims, highlighting systemic issues in inmate care. Colburn, a former inmate, described firsthand troubling experiences at the facility.​​
Official Responses
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office pledged full transparency and cooperation with the ongoing South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation. [query] The jail, housing up to 1,693 inmates with medical and surveillance features, emphasizes security but faces criticism over deaths. Efforts to contact Brucato’s family failed. [query]
