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Died in jail or a lockup

Jarvis Johnmichael Evans

40 years old · died July 29, 2021 · Johnson Detention Center, Laurens County, South Carolina

Jarvis Evans, 41, was held at the Johnson Detention Center in Laurens County, South Carolina, when he was found unresponsive in his holding cell in July 2021 and taken to a hospital, where he died. His mother, Catherine Cullen Evans, and the family's lawyers say he called 911 saying he was afraid for his life and asked for hospital care, and that deputies took him to jail instead. The family's wrongful death lawsuit against the Laurens County sheriff alleges deputies restrained him in a chair, used a Taser on him at least three times, and refused to request medical help. The sheriff's office said deputies gave him aid until EMS arrived, and the medical examiner ruled the death an accident, citing methamphetamine intoxication as the cause. The sheriff's office said it requested a SLED investigation and conducted an internal review; no public SLED report has been issued.

Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by methamphetamine intoxication, while his family's lawsuit says deputies used a restraint chair and Taser three times and refused to get him medical help.

Reported by: Laurens County Coroner (autopsy) (medical examiner or coroner); Laurens County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Family's wrongful death lawsuit against the Laurens County sheriff (family or their lawyers).

Lawsuit: His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Laurens County sheriff over his death at the Johnson Detention Center.

Sources (7)

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