Sheriff's Office, SBI investigating after inmate dies at Burke County Jail

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Officials from the Burke County Sheriff's Office say an investigation is underway after an inmate died at the Burke County Jail.

Authorities said a detention officer found 32-year-old Charles Bynum Hughes hanging from his bed sheet during normal policy rounds Saturday morning. They said they provided medical assistance until EMS personnel arrived on scene.

Medical personnel pronounced Hughes dead.

Officials said Hughes was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

The Sheriff's Office said a detention officer saw Hughes and another inmate in what appeared to be an argument or disagreement on camera early Saturday morning.

Officers said they removed Hughes from the multi-unit cell to a single-person cell for Hughes' safety.

Hughes was in the Burke County Jail on charges of felonious larceny, felonious financial card fraud, felonious flee and elude arrest, driving while license revoked (not impaired), fictitious tag/registration, and resisting an officer.

The Sheriff's Office has requested the State Bureau of Investigations to investigate the situation.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information. 

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