William Earl Surles
William Earl Surles, 64, of Dunn, was found dead in his cell at the Harnett County jail in December 2022. The N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that he died from blunt force trauma to his head, and another person held at the jail was later indicted for murder in his death. His family's lawsuit against the Harnett County Sheriff and several jail employees says he was housed with a violent person while in a weakened medical state, and that his death was unnecessary and preventable. His grandson, Antonio Surles, said the family hopes the case will raise awareness so that situations like his grandfather's never happen again.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found blunt force trauma to the head, and another inmate was later indicted for murder; his family's lawsuit says jail staff housed him with a violent inmate while he was in a weakened medical state, which was unnecessary and preventable.
Reported by: N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued the Harnett County Sheriff and several jail employees, alleging his death was preventable; no settlement or award amount has been reported.