News Summary
The family of Byron Jackson, who died after being taken into police custody in Irmo, South Carolina, is calling for transparency from law enforcement. Following the incident on June 25, they raised concerns about how Jackson’s arrest was handled and questioned the police narrative. With the investigation ongoing, the family seeks accountability and transparency as they consider legal action.
Irmo, South Carolina – The family of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man from North Augusta, is demanding transparency from the Irmo Police Department following his death in custody on June 25, 2025. Jackson’s family has expressed deep concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent hospitalization, which they allege were mishandled by law enforcement.
The incident that led to Jackson’s death began around 2 a.m. on June 22, when police were called to reports of a fight occurring inside a vehicle. Officers pursued Jackson’s vehicle, which was later described as a utility van, until it came to a stop at a Dollar General store. According to the Irmo Police Department, Jackson engaged in an altercation with officers during the arrest and subsequently experienced difficulty breathing.
Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene, and Jackson received life-saving care before being transported to a local medical facility. Despite reportedly having no pre-existing health conditions that would affect his respiratory function, he later succumbed to his injuries. The cause of death has not been disclosed pending further investigation by the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
Jackson’s family claims they were not informed of his hospitalization until several hours after the incident, during which time he was reportedly classified as a “John Doe.” Family members, supported by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, have raised questions about the accuracy of the police narrative. They assert that what was portrayed as a high-speed chase was actually a low-speed pursuit, as Jackson’s vehicle had existing mechanical issues that limited its functionality.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the Irmo Police Department’s handling of the situation after Jackson’s hospitalization. There was a reported delay of over 24 hours before the police requested an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The family continues to call for the release of any available body camera and dashcam footage from the incident, believing that this material would clarify the events leading to Jackson’s death.
As the investigation continues, the Irmo Police Department has refrained from public comment on the matter, citing the active inquiry by SLED. However, the police chief confirmed that two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave as part of the investigation process.
Jackson’s family is experiencing significant emotional distress due to the lack of communication and perceived transparency from the authorities. Bettie Jackson, Byron’s mother, and his oldest son, Kiestin, described him as a devoted father who made it a priority to maintain strong family ties. Their call for transparency has led the family to consider potential legal action in response to the set of circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
As community members await further details, the demand for accountability in the case of Byron Jackson continues to grow. The incident has sparked conversations about police practices, the importance of timely communication, and the need for thorough investigations in similar cases of custodial deaths.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Family seeks video release after man’s death in SC police custody
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WIS TV: Live family of man who died in Irmo police custody holds press conference
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo police custody
- The State: Details on Byron Jackson’s death in custody
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WLTX: Details on Byron Jackson’s death in Irmo, SC
- Google News: Irmo police accountability
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.
