George Merwin Shafto
George Merwin Shafto, 45, died on September 10, 2016, after Onslow County officials said he attempted suicide by hanging while held in custody in Onslow County, North Carolina. He was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital and then to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, where he died later that day. Officials said detention officers tried lifesaving measures before EMS arrived. The sheriff and district attorney asked the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide. Onslow County officials said Shafto attempted suicide by hanging while in custody, and the sheriff and district attorney asked the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate.
Reported by: Onslow County officials (the agency that held him); State Bureau of Investigation (outside investigators).