Detainee found dead in his cell at Richland County jail on Monday morning

A detainee at Alvin S. Glenn was found unresponsive in his cell Monday morning, according to a news release from Richland County.

Marty J. Brown, a 25-year-old Columbia resident, is the detainee who died at the jail in Columbia, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Wednesday.

Brown was found dead in his cell at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, the county’s release said. He did not have a cellmate.

The on-site medical team were unsuccessful applying life-saving measures. The cause of death was not announced.

The Richland County Coroner’s Office is investigating.

The Richland County jail has drawn criticism for years because of deaths, violence, poor conditions and understaffing. In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it was opening an investigation into whether conditions at the jail violated inmate’s civil rights, according to an article from The State.

This story was originally published July 23, 2024 at 10:06 AM.

Margaret Walker

The State

Margaret Walker is a reporter and Columbia native who covers the Midlands and surrounding communities. She recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in journalism. When she isn’t working, Margaret enjoys trying new restaurants, poetry and spending time with her dog, Oscar.