News Summary
The family of Byron Jackson, who died shortly after being taken into police custody, is demanding transparency and answers regarding the circumstances of his death. Jackson’s family, represented by attorney Bakari Sellers, claims they were not informed of his critical condition until hours later and is urging the release of police body camera footage. With the investigation ongoing, the family has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain all relevant documentation. As they navigate this tragedy, they emphasize the need for accountability and transparency in police matters.
Columbia, South Carolina – The family of Byron Jackson is calling for transparency following the 45-year-old man’s death while in the custody of Irmo police last month. The family, represented by attorney Bakari Sellers, held a news conference on Tuesday to seek further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death, claiming that they have not been fully informed of the events that unfolded.
According to the Irmo police, Jackson’s death came after a police pursuit that began early on June 22, triggered by a 911 call reporting a fight in a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area. The police reported that after the chase, Jackson had a physical struggle with officers and subsequently experienced breathing difficulties. On June 25, Jackson succumbed to these issues while being treated at a hospital. Following his hospitalization, the Irmo Police Department reached out to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to initiate an investigation into the incident.
The timeline of events has raised significant concerns for Jackson’s family. They allege that they were not informed of his hospitalization until hours later, causing distress as they were unaware of his critical condition. The family is also urging for the release of body camera footage from that night, questioning the timing of SLED’s involvement in the investigation. Sellers emphasized the need for access to this footage to gain a clearer understanding of the events leading up to Jackson’s death.
As of now, the Richland County Coroner’s Office has not released the autopsy report detailing the cause of death, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the case. Although Sellers has refrained from directly attributing Jackson’s death to police actions, he stressed the importance of shedding light on the factors involved in the incident to ensure justice and clarity for both the family and the community.
Byron Jackson was a father to six children, and family members described him as a loving and good-hearted man. His mother, Bettie Jackson, voiced her profound grief over the loss of her son, highlighting the emptiness his death has left in their lives.
The Irmo Police Chief, Bobby Dale, stated that the department would refrain from commenting further due to the ongoing investigation by SLED, leaving many questions about the incident unanswered. Jackson’s family, alongside attorney Bakari Sellers, has expressed concerns over the police narrative and their communication practices, especially the fact that Jackson was referred to as a “John Doe” during his hospitalization.
In their pursuit of more information, the family has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Irmo Police Department for documentation and video footage related to the incident. They believe that transparency is essential for understanding the nature of the events that led to Jackson’s tragic passing.
The situation remains under investigation, pending the results of the autopsy and the responses to the family’s information requests. As more details potentially surface, the concerns raised by Jackson’s family highlight a broader call for accountability and transparency in police interactions with the community.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: Family Seeks Answers in Death
- Google Search: Byron Jackson death Irmo police
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the United States
- WIS TV: Family Press Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- WACH: Attorney Demands Release of Footage
- Google News: Byron Jackson Irmo police
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.
