Xavier Torraces Parks
Xavier Parks, 40, died on February 1, 2019, while held 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, and Rev. David Kennedy spoke for them about his concern that Parks had been asking for help. Another account says jail staff found him unresponsive in his bunk several hours after he was given a laxative that morning, and that suggestions had been raised that he had not received adequate treatment. The Laurens County Sheriff's Office referred the death to the State Law Enforcement Division, and the deputy coroner said the autopsy results are still pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). The Sheriff's Office referred the death to SLED and the autopsy is pending, while his family says 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; Rev. David Kennedy (advocates).
Custody: Awaiting trial, held 49 days.