News Summary
The family of Byron Jackson, who died in Irmo Police custody, is calling for transparency and the release of crucial evidence. They contest the police’s narrative of events, expressing concerns over the lack of communication from law enforcement. Allegations of Jackson being ‘dry Tased’ prior to hospitalization have raised further questions. As the investigation continues, the family is considering legal action against the police department.
Irmo, South Carolina – The family of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died while in custody of the Irmo Police Department, is calling for transparency and accountability following events surrounding his death on June 25. His family expresses their concerns about the police account of the incident and is demanding the release of vital evidence, including bodycam and dashcam footage.
The Irmo Police Department reports that Jackson’s fatal encounter began on June 22, when officers responded to reports of a fight taking place in a vehicle. Following a low-speed vehicle chase that ended at a Dollar General store, officers arrested Jackson during which he allegedly experienced breathing difficulties. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, where life-saving measures were reportedly initiated before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
Jackson’s family challenges the police’s assertion that he actively resisted arrest. They describe the vehicle chase as a low-speed pursuit involving a utility van suffering from mechanical issues. Furthermore, they contend that they were not informed immediately about Jackson’s hospitalization and that he was admitted to the hospital listed as a “John Doe.”
Concerns surrounding the incident have intensified due to allegations that Jackson may have been “dry Tased” prior to admission to the hospital. Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, who is representing the family, has called for immediate transparency from the Irmo Police Department regarding the incident. He is pressing authorities for the release of any bodycam and dashcam footage that could provide clarity on the events leading to Jackson’s death.
The police department has withheld additional details, including the identities of the officers involved, citing an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Chief Bobby Dale of the Irmo Police has remained silent on specific details while the investigation unfolds, and the Richland County Coroner’s Office has yet to complete an autopsy report.
Jackson’s mother, Bettie Jackson, articulated her grief about the situation, stating that the family was not adequately informed of her son’s condition until well after the incident. Her sentiments reflect a broader concern amongst the family about the lack of communication from law enforcement in the critical hours following his hospitalization.
Kiestin Jackson, Byron’s eldest son, remembered his father fondly, describing him as a loving and hardworking individual. He emphasized that his family consistently experienced support and affection from him. This tragedy has left them with profound grief and unanswered questions regarding the circumstances of his death.
Questions have also arisen about the timing of the Irmo Police Department’s disclosure of the incident. Details were not shared publicly until five days after the events, just before the department’s closure for Independence Day. This delay has sparked further scrutiny of the police’s handling of the matter.
As the family seeks answers, they are considering legal action against the Irmo Police Department, pending the release of further information and video footage. The ongoing investigation by SLED is expected to play a significant role in the developments to follow, as citizens and the Jackson family continue to call for accountability in the case.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Police Custody
- WRDW
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo Police Department
- Index Journal
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability
- WACH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accountability in Law Enforcement
- The State
- Google News: Irmo Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
