Died in prison
Billy Wayne Cope
Billy Wayne Cope was 53 when he died on February 9, 2017, in a South Carolina prison. His legal team described him as polite, optimistic and full of faith, and said he kept those qualities for many years. He left two surviving children. Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said the death apparently appeared natural, and an autopsy was scheduled for the following day. His lawyers said he was innocent and that his death ended what they called a miscarriage of justice.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness. The Richland County coroner Gary Watts said Cope apparently died of natural causes, and an autopsy was ordered.
Reported by: Richland County Coroner Gary Watts (medical examiner or coroner).