Inmate found dead in Columbia women’s prison. Here’s what we know
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An inmate at a medium security prison for women was found dead Sunday, according to S.C. Department of Corrections officials.
Desiree Almgren was found dead in her cell at Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution, SCDC spokeswoman Chrysti Shain confirmed Tuesday.
Camille Griffin Graham is located in Columbia.
Almgren’s death is being investigated by SCDC’s Police Services unit and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, Shain said. Investigators believe Almgren may have committed suicide.
Inmate advocacy group Hearts For Inmates mourned Almgren’s death in a post Tuesday afternoon.
“We often forget the thousands of women incarcerated within Leath and Camille Griffin Graham Correctional institutions. They wait with the same hope as the men. We must continue to fight for all of them!” the post read. “Our condolences to her family and friends.”
Last year, SCDC saw a spike in suicides, more than doubling those reported in previous year, according to data from the department. Over the last four years, though, the department has not reported any suicides at their women’s facilities.
People in search of help should call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
