BURKE COUNTY, NC — An inmate at the Burke County Jail was found dead in his cell Saturday just hours after an argument with a fellow prisoner.
Around 5:25am, detention officers say they witnessed Charles Hughes, 32, getting into an argument with another inmate. The altercation was seen on surveillance camera, according to officials, and Hughes was immediately removed from his multi-unit cell.
Officers reportedly placed Hughes in a single cell for his safety, but he was found hanging by his bed sheet during normal rounds at 10:22am.
Despite efforts to save him, officials say Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.
The SBI has been called in to investigate the situation.
Hughes, of Morganton, was arrested Friday 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. He was being held on a $50,000 bond.
