Columbia, South Carolina mourns the loss of Easley Jeffcoat, a 16-year-old juvenile offender at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), who passed away after an attempted suicide at the Willow Lane Infirmary on the Broad River Road campus.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified the teen, confirming his passing on Wednesday afternoon after he attempted suicide on Monday at 10:30 p.m. DJJ reported that CPR was administered to Jeffcoat before emergency medical services arrived. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Joyce Watson posted on Facebook,
“I never thought I would be making this type of post about you. I was so hurt to hear about your death. I’ve cried ever since. I tried to figure out what more could I have said or done to give you hope. I’ll never forget you Easley. I will always remember our conversations and your laughter. Rest in peace”
https://www.facebook.com/joyce.watson.90/posts/pfbid0wwN6kA5Tuzm9CDMZx6HS8CbQh4qCxJxBubxBCamdzSzqXzNLSUPaRjMw1pwjH3GKl
In 2014, a similar incident occurred when a 16-year-old student from Anderson County took his life in a DJJ dorm room. The teen was not under solitary confinement or suicide watch but was awaiting trial for a burglary charge. The State Law Enforcement Division intervened in the investigation, resulting in the suspension of three DJJ employees.
DJJ operates three regional evaluation centers—Coastal, Midlands, and Upstate—providing court-ordered evaluations for adjudicated youth before the final disposition of their cases. These centers conduct psychological, social, and educational assessments, guiding the court’s decision on case disposition and housing assignments for admitted youth.
By law, the secure evaluation period for youth cannot exceed 45 days.
Plans for Easley Jeffcoat’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
