Deputies were called to the Charleston County Detention Center on Leeds Avenue around 2 p.m. Sunday June 23rd for reports of an apparent suicide, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Lexi Douglas said. Detention deputies found an unconscious man who was not breathing. Deputies, medical staff, North Charleston Fire Department personnel and EMS attempted life-saving measures on the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano has asked SLED to investigate. In addition to SLED’s investigation, the Office of Professional Standards at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal review, which is standard.
MORE: SLED investigating in-custody death at Al Cannon Detention Center
Former Mount Pleasant Police Chief Carl Richie and election opponent Col. Greg Kitchens both reacted to the news live Monday on 94.3 WSC.
Richie responded, "It just confirms, we've GOT to get some leadership and a change in the Sheriff's office - no question about it."
Kitchen's said in part, "When you're short around 100 detention officers ... they need support, they need good leadership throughout the ranks."
Both Kitchen's and Richie face a run-off race Tuesday, June 25th after a close and at times contentious primary battle two weeks ago. When asked if they would support whomever voters chose to be their GOP nominee, each candidate said:
"If the majority of voters decide I'm not the candidate of choice, I will certainly respect their decision and support the Republican nominee ... to ensure we get the win in November for the good of all Charleston County residents. How will I do that? Any way he feels he needs help, I will be glad to step up and help to ensure our county's safe." - Former Chief Carl Richie
Col. Greg Kitchens - "If I should lose to Carl ... I'll support him with everything I've got. He'll make a much better Sheriff than she will."
The pair faced off a final time Sunday on Count on 2 news in a televised forum linked here.
Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for Republican Primary voters to decide who will face the Democrat incumbent Sheriff Graziano this November.
Some Mount Pleasant Polling locations have changed just for Tuesday's special election so be sure you KNOW YOUR POLLING LOCATION by clicking here
Stay tuned for election night updates!