The South Carolina Department of Corrections is once again under scrutiny after a second inmate died within a week at Lee Correctional Institute, according to recent reporting from WIS News. The latest death, reportedly the result of an assault inside the facility, highlights ongoing concerns about inmate safety, inadequate staffing, and dangerous conditions in one of the state’s most troubled prisons.
These new incidents echo the tragic death of Joshua Svwin Jenkins, who was killed during the 2018 riot at Lee Correctional that claimed seven lives. Jenkins’ family—represented by attorney Bakari Sellers—brought national attention to the long-standing issues within the prison, including chronic understaffing, failure to supervise, and the inability to protect inmates from foreseeable harm.
A Pattern of Violence at Lee Correctional
While the 2018 riot sparked calls for reform, the two inmate deaths in December 2025 show that the same systemic problems persist:
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Severe staffing shortages leading to unsafe conditions
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Repeated instances of inmate-on-inmate violence
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Delayed emergency response inside the facility
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Infrastructure and security breakdowns
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Ongoing civil rights concerns regarding inmate protection
When multiple deaths occur in such a short timeframe, it raises serious questions about whether the South Carolina Department of Corrections is meeting its constitutional duty to keep individuals in its custody safe.
Connecting the 2025 Deaths to the Joshua Jenkins Case
The death of Joshua Jenkins was a pivotal moment in exposing the realities of life inside Lee Correctional. His case alleged that the facility failed to provide a safe environment and ignored clear warning signs leading up to the deadly riot.
Today, the new reports of fatal assaults within the same facility underscore a broader issue: the dangers inside Lee Correctional did not end in 2018. They continue today.
Families of inmates are still left searching for answers, and the pattern of violence suggests deeper institutional failures that must be addressed.
Your Loved One Has Rights — Even Behind Bars
Incarceration does not strip an individual of their constitutional protections. When the state fails to protect the people in its custody, families may have legal grounds to pursue:
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Wrongful death claims
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Civil rights lawsuits under Section 1983
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Negligence or gross negligence actions
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Claims related to unsafe conditions of confinement
At Strom Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of experience handling civil rights cases, wrongful inmate deaths, and correctional facility negligence across South Carolina. We understand the challenges families face when trying to get answers—and we are committed to fighting for accountability and justice.
Contact Strom Law Firm for Help
If your loved one has been injured, assaulted, or died in a South Carolina correctional facility, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our team is here to investigate, advocate, and help you understand every legal option available.
📞 Call us today
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