Robert Perniciaro
Robert Perniciaro, 26, was an artist who wrote poetry, made clay sculptures, did carpentry and loved science, and his sister remembers him as funny and incredibly talented. He was found hanging in his cell at the Johnston County Jail in Smithfield, North Carolina, on January 6, 2021, and was taken to WakeMed, where he died four days later. His family says he had a history of suicide attempts and that they warned arresting officers he was suicidal and would be withdrawing from drugs. The sheriff's office said jail staff were not at fault and that he was not on suicide watch, and the family's attorney is considering legal action.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The family says Robert had a history of suicide attempts and that they warned arresting officers he was suicidal, while the sheriff says the jail staff was not at fault and that he was not on suicide watch.
Reported by: Johnston County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Robert Perniciaro's family (family or their lawyers).