Family Seeks Accountability After Inmate’s Death in North Charleston Jail
North Charleston, S.C. – A family is grappling with heartbreak and a push for justice after the untimely death of their loved one in the Charleston County jail last year. Julian Jenkins, who died while in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center, has left his family with unanswered questions and a demand for a settlement that reflects their deep loss.
What Happened to Julian Jenkins?
Julian Jenkins, who was only 43 years old, passed away on the morning of March 14, 2023. According to the Charleston County Coroner, Bobbi Jo O’Neal, the cause of death remains a topic of investigation. His family is now seeking a settlement of $5 million, which may seem substantial, but is notably less than the $10 million settlement reached for the death of another inmate, Jamal Sutherland, recognized as the largest civil rights settlement in South Carolina’s history.
A Call for Change
The Soloman Law Group, representing Jenkins’ family, sent a letter to Charleston County back in August. They have alleged that the **inadequate medical care** provided to Jenkins and the **deliberate indifference** shown toward his condition played significant roles in his death. This alarming situation comes as there have been 14 deaths reported at the same facility since 2021, raising serious concerns about the treatment of inmates there.
The Health Struggles of Jenkins
Jenkins was initially booked due to a three-year-old bench warrant connected to a petty theft charge involving a vacuum cleaner. However, given his significant health issues, he was placed in the jail’s infirmary rather than the general population. Unfortunately, just six days later, he was pronounced dead.
In a heart-wrenching statement, Lois Taylor, Jenkins’ mother, expressed her disbelief and sorrow. “I thought, okay, he’s going to be in the medical facility so he can get the treatment he needs. So I just felt comfortable about it. For him to pass six days later— I couldn’t understand,” she shared. Jenkins battled with late-stage kidney failure, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.
Searching for Answers
As the details surrounding Jenkins’ death continue to unfold, his family remains desperate for answers. In a chillingly poignant statement, Lois Taylor said, “It’s heartbreaking to know that your child suffered alone. He was a good person… he had a good heart. He didn’t go around hurting people.”
Investigations Underway
The pain felt by Jenkins’ family is echoed by ongoing concerns regarding the care provided in local jails. The Department of Justice has begun an investigation into the operations of both the Charleston and Richland County jails, prompted by public outcry following Jenkins’ passing. This investigation is still underway, alongside another by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division specifically focusing on Jenkins’ death.
Charleston County officials have remained tight-lipped about the situation, citing pending litigation as a reason for not providing comments. The Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the jail, also refrained from sharing details as they were not explicitly named in the demand letter. Notably, the letter does not mention Wellpath, the former medical provider for the jail at the time of Jenkins’ death. The county transitioned to another provider, VitalCore Strategies, after complaints regarding the standard of care.
A Mother’s Grief
Lois Taylor continues to call for accountability, seeking solace from the pain of losing her son. As she waits for answers, Jenkins’ family hopes that their plea for justice might prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache in the future.
