Pittsboro, NC – On Friday, April 15, just before 8 pm, staff members at the Chatham County Detention Center were performing rounds when they noticed an inmate who appeared to be in medical distress inside his cell. Upon further inspection, the inmate was found to be unresponsive with a weak pulse.
Detention Officers leapt into action to provide emergency care, performing CPR and other life-saving measures alongside FirstHealth EMS for nearly 40 minutes. Unfortunately, their joint attempts to resuscitate the inmate were unsuccessful.
Following notification of next of kin, the Sheriff’s Office has now publicly identified the deceased individual as Michael Capone, 52, of Siler City. Capone was serving time for probation violation and was expected to remain in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center until May 2022.
“Our staff members are shocked and saddened by Mr. Capone’s sudden passing,” says Sheriff’s Office Captain Tammy Kirkman. “We strive to provide the highest quality of care to individuals in our custody, so losing someone in our facility despite our best efforts to save him is nothing short of traumatic.”
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Capone’s surviving family and friends. Regardless of his custodial status at the time of death, he was a human being and his memory deserves respect,” says Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Any loss of life is a tragedy, especially when it happens so suddenly. Our Victim Services Coordinators will be available to provide emotional support and assistance as needed.”
Capone’s is the first in-custody death to occur inside the Chatham County Detention Center.
“An investigation is currently underway to determine Mr. Capone’s cause of death and the circumstances leading up to his passing,” says Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Sara Pack. “Although natural causes are suspected, we are still waiting on official autopsy results from the medical examiner regarding this unfortunate event.”