MAURY
Oct 7, 2025
The death of a person in custody at Greene Correctional Institution is being investigated as a homicide.
Ernest Nichols was found unresponsive in his dormitory at 6:49 a.m. Sunday. Staff performed emergency life-saving procedures and called EMS, which pronounced him deceased at 7:22 a.m.
The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating, and NCDAC is cooperating fully. Greene Correctional has been placed on temporary lockdown as the investigation continues.
Nichols, 60, was convicted in Mecklenburg County in 2011 of statutory rape. His projected release date was in September 2027.