Federal Investigation Launched into South Carolina Jails Following Deaths and Violence

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched civil rights investigations into the jails in Charleston and Richland Counties in South Carolina following multiple inmate deaths. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that the investigations will focus on whether the jails comply with basic constitutional standards, including access to medical and mental health care, use of force by staff, and dangerous living conditions. The deaths of two inmates, Jamal Sutherland and DeAngelo Brown, were cited as examples of alleged neglect and excessive force. The investigations aim to ensure that incarcerated individuals are not subjected to violations of their civil and constitutional rights.