News Release: RCSD investigating suspicious death and stabbing at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center within 24 hours

04/08/26

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is aware of an inmate death that occurred at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on the evening of April 7th, 2026.

Based on information provided, detention center staff located an unresponsive inmate at approximately 7:00 p.m. EMS was requested, and upon arrival, the individual was found to be unresponsive and already exhibiting signs consistent with death. The inmate was transported to a local hospital at 8:34 p.m., where he was pronounced deceased shortly upon arrival.

Sheriff Lott stated, “It is important to note that the Sheriff’s Department was not notified by detention center staff at any point during or immediately following this incident, as is expected when a death occurs under these circumstances. Instead, our agency was first notified by the Richland County Coroner’s Office at approximately 9:00 a.m. on April 8th, nearly 14 hours after the initial incident.”

Per witness statements, the death is believed to be a possible overdose; however, the official cause of death remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has since initiated an investigation to determine whether any criminal activity contributed to this death. We are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the lack of timely notification, as prompt communication is critical to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.

We will continue to work closely with the Coroner’s Office and provide updates as appropriate.

This afternoon a separate incident occurred at 4:14 p.m. when RCSD and EMS were called to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center for an inmate who had been stabbed multiple times. The inmate was transported to the hospital for their injuries. RCSD Investigators are actively investigating both incidents.