Xavier Parks
Xavier Parks, 40, died in custody on February 1, 2019, at the Johnson Detention Center in Laurens County, South Carolina. His family says he had complained of illness for at least two weeks, had been asking for help, and was not allowed to see a nurse. The Laurens County Sheriff's Office referred the death to the State Law Enforcement Division, which is investigating, and Deputy Coroner Vickie Cheek said the autopsy results are pending. Rev. David Kennedy spoke for the family about their concern that Parks had been asking for help.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The Laurens County Sheriff's Office referred the death to SLED and the autopsy is pending, while his family and Rev. David Kennedy say he complained of illness for at least two weeks, asked for help, and was not allowed to see a nurse.
Reported by: Laurens County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Deputy Coroner Vickie Cheek (medical examiner or coroner); State Law Enforcement Division (outside investigators); family and Rev. David Kennedy (family or their lawyers).