Second inmate found dead in less than a week at Rutherford County Detention Center
Zeb Davis, 40, was found unresponsive in his cell, officials said. The NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is leading both investigations.
As I first reported on Saturday, officials on Monday confirmed that an inmate was discovered unresponsive in their assigned cell.
“The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is sad to report a second death which occurred inside the Detention Center. On Saturday evening, May 11, 2024, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detention staff were conducting their regular cell check rounds when an inmate was discovered unresponsive in the inmate’s assigned cell. Detention staff members provided lifesaving medical procedures for the inmate which were unsuccessful. Detention staff members provided lifesaving medical procedures for the inmate which were unsuccessful. While providing medical procedures for the inmate, detention staff contacted the 911 Communications Center. 911 telecommunicators dispatched Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with the Rutherfordton Fire and Rescue Department. Paramedics and EMTs provided additional lifesaving measures,” officials said in a release.
”The Sheriff’s Office requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the inmate’s death. Special Agents with the SBI worked throughout the night and will continue with follow up (sic) investigative functions. The SBI is managing and leading the investigation,” officials said.
The inmate was identified as:
Zeb John Davis W/M/40 years old with a Spindale, North Carolina address. He was being held at the Detention Center as a pre-trial detainee under a secured bond.
Davis is the second inmate to be found dead in their cell in less than a week. He was facing numerous charges stemming from a December traffic stop.
On Tuesday, May 7, detention center staff also discovered an inmate unresponsive in their assigned cell, authorities said last Tuesday. Despite immediate intervention and life-saving measures by staff, he could not be revived. On Thursday, Sheriff James Aaron Ellenburg exclusively told Cops & Congress the man was identified as Terrell Ledbetter, 47. Ledbetter was arrested in January for second-degree murder.
Ellenburg emphasized the importance of a transparent and impartial investigation in an interview with Cops & Congress last week. "The priority of our office is to ensure a thorough and independent examination of this incident," he said.
SBI is investigating both incidents, officials said. Moseley Architects presented their findings of a space needs study for a new jail to Rutherford County Commissioners last Monday. The jail had been cited for numerous deficiencies last year.
My public records requests are pending with the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). This is a developing story.
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