Identity of inmate found dead in Ridgeland prison released
The death of James L. Jefferson, 23, is under investigation by the S.C. Department of Corrections, according to DOC communications director Stephanie Givens.
Attempts to reach Jasper County Coroner Martin Sauls III on Friday for comment on Jefferson's manner and cause of death were unsuccessful.
Jefferson had been incarcerated on the burglary conviction within the DOC since Dec. 7, 2009, Givens said.
When asked when and where Jefferson's body was found Wednesday, Givens sited the ongoing investigation and said she could not release that information.
The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette also asked Givens whether any cameras were located near where Jefferson was, if he was on suicide watch and whether he was in his cell alone at the time of his death.
Givens sited the ongoing investigation again in declining to answer those questions.
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This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 11:13 AM with the headline "Identity of inmate found dead in Ridgeland prison released."