Charleston Family Files Lawsuit Following Inmate’s Death

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The Al Cannon Detention Center, the site of a recent wrongful death lawsuit.

News Summary

The family of Quinn Pierre Connor, an inmate who died under suspicious circumstances at the Al Cannon Detention Center, is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Connor was found unresponsive in his cell, leading to questions about the facility’s monitoring procedures. Accusations of neglect highlight serious concerns regarding inmate safety and the ongoing problem of contraband within detention centers. As the legal battle begins, the family hopes to bring attention to the need for systematic changes to ensure justice and prevent similar tragedies.

Charleston Family Takes Action After Tragic Jail Death

In the heart of Charleston, changes are stirring amidst an unfortunate incident at the Al Cannon Detention Center that has raised eyebrows and sparked a legal battle. The family of Quinn Pierre Connor, a 42-year-old inmate, is making headlines as they file a wrongful death lawsuit following his untimely demise on October 23, 2023.

What Happened?

Connor was found unresponsive in his jail cell by his fellow inmates who, in a commendable effort, tried to perform life-saving measures. An autopsy later revealed that the cause of death was acute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl toxicity, with the Charleston County coroner deeming his death an accident. This sad incident has brought to light serious questions regarding the safety and monitoring procedures in place at the detention facility.

A Lawsuit for Justice

Fast forward to March 27, 2025, Connor’s son, Romell President, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and the Al Cannon Detention Center. The accusations are heavy, with claims of neglect as it’s alleged that Connor was not adequately monitored for over an hour before alarms were raised about his condition. Security footage reportedly showed him ingesting an unidentified substance shortly after returning to his cell post-breakfast. Tragically, despite the frantic attempts of both inmates and medical staff, he was pronounced dead around 12:15 p.m.

Protocol vs. Reality

Monitoring inmates is crucial, and the facility is required to check on inmates at least once every hour. However, this tragic case has thrown a wrench into the works, raising questions about how these protocols were followed. Connor had a complicated history of opioid abuse disorder and had faced incarceration multiple times for drug-related offenses. At the time of his death, he was in pre-trial detention concerning possession charges involving over 15 grams of cocaine.

Security Concerns

The lawsuit goes deeper, highlighting the persistent issue of contraband entering detention centers. It suggests that illicit drugs can slip through the cracks due to possible corruption within staff. President pointed out that such substances have become all too common in jails, especially as many individuals try to cope with job losses outside. His claims were substantiated when, in February 2025, a detention deputy was arrested for smuggling contraband into the facility, accentuating the systemic issues at play.

A Troubling Past

Adding fuel to the fire, Connor had previously been hospitalized for swallowing a bag of fentanyl just before he was booked, leaving his family bewildered as to how he could access drugs while incarcerated. The family has been actively seeking answers regarding the regulations and safety measures—or lack thereof—that allowed for Connor to be in that critical situation.

Calls for Change

The state’s Law Enforcement Division has launched an investigation into Connor’s death as part of standard procedure. His family believes that incarceration should provide individuals the tools to overcome addiction, yet, in this case, it led to a heart-wrenching tragedy instead. The challenges in controlling inmate drug use were acknowledged by former Charleston County Sheriff, who stated that regular searches alone do not guarantee complete safety.

Looking Ahead

This lawsuit shines a light on ongoing concerns about the management of the Al Cannon Detention Center and the safety and well-being of its inmates. As the legal battle unfolds, the hope is that systematic changes will come forth to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future, and keep families from enduring such heartbreak.