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RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Following the March 12 discovery of the body of inmate Michael Kerr, the Department of Public Safety has launced an investigation into Kerr's death at the Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. An employee resigned once the investigation was underway.
The inmate had been transported from the facility to Central Prison to receive medical attention. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead, according to DPS.
“On behalf of DPS, I express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, with condolences to the family and friends of Michael Kerr,” Secretary Frank L. Perry said in a statement.
Disciplinary action will be taken, if warranted, Perry said.
Following is a DPS timeline of the incident.
March 12
· Inmate Michael Kerr (#0484330) was transported from Alexander CI to Central Prison.
· Upon arrival, correctional staff found Kerr unresponsive. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.
· The warden called State Capitol Police to investigate, per Adult Correction protocol for notifying local law enforcement.
· The inmate’s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
March 17 – 24
· A team of professional managers in Mental Health, Medical, Nursing, Risk Management and Security Services, which is called the Sentinel Event Review Team, conducted a comprehensive review of all aspects of Kerr’s death and related incarceration management. This team began its review within five working days, which is Adult Correction protocol following any unanticipated death.
March 28
· The Sentinel Event Review team reported its findings to department senior managers.
· Secretary Perry directed the Professional Standards Office (PSO) to launch an internal investigation.
March 31
· PSO commenced the internal investigation.
· Department sent letter to SBI requesting its review of the inmate’s death.
· Department sent letter sent to Disability Rights of North Carolina inviting input and independent assessment.
· A department Health Services auditor initiated an audit of caseloads and care management at the prison.
· One employee resigned while under investigation.
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