Second Death Investigation in a Week at Rutherford Detention Center

Rutherford County -- May 13, 2024: The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office:  A second death 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.

While providing medical procedures for the inmate, detention staff contacted the 911 Communications Center. 911 tele-communicators 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.

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 followup investigative functions. The SBI is managing and leading the investigation.

This is the second death in a week at the detention center.

The inmate was identified as:
Zeb John Davis W/M/40 Years Old with a Spindale, North Carolina address.
Mr. Davis was being held at the Detention Center as a pre-trial detainee under a secured bond.

Death Investigation

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detention staff discovered an inmate unresponsive in the inmate’s assigned cell. Staff members provided lifesaving medical procedures for the inmate which were unsuccessful.
While performing medical attention for the inmate, staff contacted the 911 Communications Center which in turn dispatched

Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with the Rutherfordton Fire and Rescue Department.

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. The SBI is currently managing and leading the investigation.